Did you know that rubies are mentioned 7 times in the Bible? In the Old Testament, rubies are listed as one of the twelve stones on the breastplate of Aaron, brother of Moses. The Bible also mentions rubies in relation to King Solomon, who was said to have a great many rubies in his possession. In fact, some scholars believe that the word “ruby” is derived from the Hebrew word “adom”, which means red. So what is it about rubies that have captured people’s attention for centuries?
Table of Contents
7 Bible Verses About Rubies
- Job 28:18
- Proverbs 3:15
- Proverbs: 8:11
- Proverbs 20:15
- Proverbs 31:10
- Lam 4:7
- Isaiah 54:12
Rubies in the Bible
Rubies are precious stones that are found in a variety of colors, but they are most commonly associated with the color red. In the Bible, Described as a precious jewel, rubies are mentioned several times, often in reference to their value.
Certainly! Rubies are mentioned in the Bible as symbols of beauty, wisdom, and great value. Below is a table listing seven places where rubies are mentioned in the Bible, along with the verses and their contexts.
| Book | Verse | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Job | Job 28:18 | In a chapter discussing the search for wisdom, rubies are mentioned as being incomparable to wisdom. The verse suggests that wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. |
| Proverbs | Proverbs 3:15 | In a passage extolling the virtues of wisdom, it’s said that she is “more precious than rubies.” This elevates the value of wisdom above even the most cherished gems. |
| Proverbs | Proverbs 8:11 | Wisdom is speaking and declares that she is better than rubies and that nothing one may desire can compare with her. This again places wisdom as something of ultimate value. |
| Proverbs | Proverbs 31:10 | In the famous passage about the “wife of noble character,” it’s stated that her worth is “far above rubies,” suggesting the high value of a virtuous woman. |
| Lamentations | Lamentations 4:7 | In a passage describing the suffering of the people of Zion, their princes were once purer than snow and were compared to rubies. The passage laments how these figures have now been diminished due to the hardships faced. |
| Ezekiel | Ezekiel 28:13 | In the lament over the King of Tyre, the king is described as having been adorned with various precious stones including rubies when he was in Eden. The passage depicts his initial glory and subsequent downfall. |
| Isaiah | Isaiah 54:12 | In a prophetic vision concerning the future glory of Zion, God promises to make the battlements of the city with rubies as part of a grand description of its coming splendor. This symbolizes the ultimate worth and glory of the city. |
Each of these mentions serves to highlight the immense value, beauty, or significance of what is being compared to rubies—whether it’s wisdom, a virtuous woman, or the glory of a city.
For example, in the book of Job, it is said that rubies are more precious than gold (Job 28:18). In the book of Isaiah, rubies are described as being “like fire” and “more costly than diamonds” (Isaiah 54:12). Clearly, the Bible speaks of rubies as being highly valued items. It is interesting to note that in ancient times, rubies were considered to be worth more than diamonds. Proverbs says a virtuous woman, a worthy woman, a wife of noble character is worth much. A virtuous wife blesses her husband all the days of her life. She speaks with lips of knowledge and worth more than a multitude of Rubies. She is described as a
- capable wife
- excellent wife
- heart of her husband trusts her
- Good woman
- Excellent woman
- Good Wife
- She Had Fear of the Lord, and honored the word of God.
She makes winter clothes for her family. Her Husband joins the men at the city gate. She is worth the finest Rubies. Finding Her is the beginning of wisdom, he findeth wisdom,and getteth understanding.
This is likely because rubies are rarer than diamonds and because they have a deep red color that was associated with royalty and power. Today, rubies are still considered to be valuable stones, and they are often used in jewelry and other decorative items.
What are Rubies and Where do they come from?
Rubies are a type of gemstone that is most commonly found in Myanmar, Thailand, and India. In the Bible, rubies are mentioned several times and are often associated with royalty and wisdom. Let’s take a closer look at rubies and what the Bible has to say about them.
The word “ruby” comes from the Latin word “ruber,” which means “red.” Rubies are part of the corundum family of minerals, which also includes sapphires. Rubies are hard, but not as hard as diamonds. They range in color from pale pink to deep red and are often used in jewelry.
Rubies have been prized since ancient times and were even mentioned in the Bible. In Exodus 28:17-20, rubies are listed alongside other precious stones as being used to adorn the breastplate of the high priest. In Job 28:18, ruby is mentioned as being more valuable than wisdom or understanding. And in Proverbs 8:11, Wisdom is personified as calling out for rubies.
Rubies are beautiful gemstones that have been prized since ancient times. They are mentioned several times in the Bible and are often associated with royalty and wisdom. If you ever have the opportunity to see a ruby up close, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and wonder at what great value it once had—and still has today.
The Value of Rubies in the Bible (King James Version) (God)
Proverbs 8:11 says, ” for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” In this scripture, we see that wisdom is much more valuable than any amount of money can buy. This is a theme that is repeated throughout the Bible; that wisdom and knowledge are far more important than earthly treasures.
Job 28:18 says, “No mention shall be made of coral or of pearls, for price of wisdom is above rubies.” Here we see that even the most precious and rare gems cannot compare to the value of wisdom.
Isaiah 54:12 says, ” I will make your windows of agates and your gates of carbuncles and all your wall of precious stones.” Here we see that even the walls built with the most valuable stones cannot compare to those who have wisdom.
We also see in Revelation 21:19-20 that rubies are part of the foundations of the New Jerusalem. “The foundations of the wall were adorned with all kinds with jewels The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, The fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, The seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, The ninth topaz, he tenth chrysoprasus.'” Although these foundations represent different aspects or ministries of church, we see that God Himself places a high value on rubies.
From these scriptures, we see that God values wisdom and knowledge above all else. Even though earthly treasures like rubies are beautiful and valuable, they cannot compare to wisdom. So let us seek after wisdom and knowledge above all else.
How to identify a Ruby
Color
One of the most important identifying factors for rubies is color. Rubies can range in hue from orange-red to deep red, and they are often described as “pigeon’s blood red.” The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) notes that rubies with a blue modifier are typically less valuable than those without. Look for a stone with a vibrant, even color throughout. (Red Sapphire) Color of a reddish tinge
Clarity
Like all gemstones, rubies can range in clarity from flawless to included. Generally speaking, the fewer inclusions a ruby has, the more valuable it will be. When inspecting a ruby for clarity, pay special attention to any surface-reaching inclusions, as these can affect the stone’s durability.
Cut
When cut properly, rubies can display an incredible amount of sparkle and life. Since rubies are typically small to medium in size, they are often cut into shapes that maximize their carat weight, such as ovals and cushions. Make sure the ruby you’re inspecting has been cut with care; poorly cut stones will appear dull and lifeless.
Carat Weight
The carat weight of a ruby is another important factor in determining value. All else being equal, larger rubies will be more expensive than smaller ones. However, it’s important to keep in mind that two stones of equal carat weight can have very different prices depending on their other characteristics.
Famous Biblical Characters who wore Rubies (New King James Version)
In Exodus 28, we read about the garments that were to be made for Aaron, the first high priest. These garments were to be made of fine linen and embroidered with gold, blue, purple, and scarlet thread. They were to include a breastplate, ephod, robe, and headpiece. And on the breastplate were to be twelve precious stones representing the tribes of Israel. But what do we know about these stones?
The ruby is mentioned four times in Scripture: Exodus 28:17-20; Ezekiel 28:13; Job 28:18; and Proverbs 3:15. In each instance, the ruby is mentioned in connection with wisdom or preciousness. For example, in Exodus 28:17-20, we read about the Breastplate of Judgment—a piece of jewelry that was to be worn by the high priest when he went into the presence of God.(Bible Verses) in the original word.
On this Breastplate were twelve precious stones representing the twelve tribes of Israel. And one of those stones was a ruby. This helps us to see that rubies (and all other precious stones) are symbols of God’s people.
Spiritual Lessons we can learn from Rubies (King James Bible) (Proverbs)
The Bible often uses earthly objects to symbolize spiritual truths. In the book of Proverbs, for instance, wisdom is likened to gold and silver (Proverbs 3:14-15). In the same way, rubies can teach us about the nature of God’s love. Here are three lessons we can learn from these precious stones.
1. Rubies are rare and valuable.
Just as rubies are unique and not like other gemstones, God’s love is also rare and valuable. There is no other love like His— it’s one-of-a-kind. “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). This shows us just how rare and special His love is.
2. Rubies are strong and durable.
Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, meaning they’re resistant to scratches and wear. In the same way, God’s love is strong and durable— it never fades or changes. “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing Kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3). We can always count on God’s love because it’s reliable and unchanging.
3. Rubies are radiant and beautiful.
When rubies are cut and polished, they emit a dazzling red hue that catches the eye. Similarly, when we allow God’s love to shine through us, we will radiate His beauty to those around us. “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us” (1 John 4:16). As we trust in His great love for us, others will be drawn to Him as well.
Final Thoughts – Rubies in the Bible
The next time you see a ruby, think about how it can remind you of God’s amazing love for you— a love that is rare, strong, and beautiful!
