from זָכָה; properly, transparency, i.e. glass; crystal.
Transliteration:zᵉkûwkîyth
Pronunciation:zek-oo-keeth
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth, `{{H2137}}`) is derived from the root זָכָה (zakâh, `{{H2141}}`), which carries the core meaning of "to be clean," "to be pure," or "to be clear." Consequently, זְכוּכִית primarily denotes the quality of "transparency." Semantically, this extends to materials characterized by such clarity, specifically "glass" or "crystal." It refers to a substance that is unclouded, allowing light to pass through, and is typically smooth or polished, valued for its pristine appearance and often its rarity in the ancient world.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Job.
* [[Job 28:17]]: "Gold and glass cannot equal it, nor can it be exchanged for articles of fine gold."
In this profound poetic discourse on the inaccessibility and unparalleled value of wisdom, זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) is listed alongside other precious commodities such as gold (זָהָב, `{{H2091}}`) and fine gold (כֶּתֶם, `{{H3707}}`). The context of Job 28 is a contemplation of where wisdom can be found, contrasting it with the most valuable earthly treasures that humans diligently seek and mine. The inclusion of זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) here signifies a material of considerable worth and beauty in the ancient Near East, likely a form of natural crystal or an early, highly prized type of glass. Its mention serves to underscore the central argument of the chapter: no amount of material wealth, no matter how precious or transparent, can acquire or compare to the profound and hidden wisdom that belongs solely to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb זָכָה (zakâh, `{{H2141}}`), meaning "to be clean," "to be pure," or "to be clear." This root is used extensively throughout the Old Testament in various contexts:
* **Ritual Purity:** [[Leviticus 15:31]] speaks of purifying the Israelites.
* **Moral Purity:** [[Psalm 51:4]] (English v. 6) uses it in the context of God being justified when He speaks, implying His absolute moral purity. [[Psalm 73:13]] speaks of purifying one's heart.
* **Clarity/Brightness:** Though less common, the root can also imply the clarity of the heavens or the brightness of light.
Other words for precious, clear, or pure substances that share a conceptual affinity include:
* קֶרַח (qerach, `{{H7140}}`), "ice" or "crystal," sometimes used to describe a clear expanse, as in [[Ezekiel 1:22]].
* בֶּדֹלַח (bedolach, `{{H916}}`), "bdellium," a substance described as resembling manna in [[Numbers 11:7]], also mentioned as a precious resource in [[Genesis 2:12]], often interpreted as a type of crystal or pearl.
These related terms and concepts reinforce the idea of זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) as a material of purity, clarity, and significant value, linking it to broader biblical themes of unblemished beauty and spiritual cleanliness.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) in [[Job 28:17]] imbues it with profound theological significance. It functions as a powerful rhetorical device within a larger discourse on divine wisdom.
1. **The Inestimable Value of Divine Wisdom:** The primary theological point is that God's wisdom transcends all earthly value. By listing זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) alongside gold and other precious stones, the text emphasizes that even the most coveted and beautiful human possessions are utterly inadequate to acquire, comprehend, or compare with the divine wisdom that is hidden from human eyes and known only to God ([[Job 28:23]]). This highlights the qualitative difference between material wealth and spiritual truth.
2. **Human Limitations and Divine Sovereignty:** The inability of humans to purchase or discover wisdom through their own efforts, even with the most valuable materials like זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth), underscores human limitations and the absolute sovereignty of God as the sole possessor and dispenser of true wisdom. Wisdom is not a commodity to be traded but a divine revelation.
3. **Purity as a Divine Attribute:** While זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) itself is a material, its root זָכָה (zakâh) links it to the concept of purity. Theologically, purity is an essential attribute of God and a foundational requirement for His people. Though not directly stating it, the use of a word derived from "purity" to describe a valuable material might subtly evoke the pristine and unblemished nature of divine wisdom and truth, which, like a pure crystal, is perfectly clear and without blemish.
### Summary
The Hebrew word זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth, `{{H2137}}`) denotes "transparency," specifically referring to "glass" or "crystal." Its etymological root, זָכָה (zakâh, `{{H2141}}`), meaning "to be clean" or "to be pure," underscores the material's unblemished clarity and high quality. Appearing uniquely in [[Job 28:17]], זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) is presented as a valuable earthly commodity, yet one that pales in comparison to the inestimable worth of divine wisdom. This single occurrence serves to accentuate the theological truth that no material wealth, however precious or beautiful, can acquire or equate to the profound, hidden wisdom that resides solely with God. Thus, זְכוּכִית (zᵉkûwkîyth) functions as a powerful symbol of the finite nature of earthly treasures when measured against the infinite and transcendent value of God's truth and wisdom.
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