Pearl (Hastings' Dictionary)

There is no evidence in favour of the AV ‘pearl’ for &3) gabhish (Job 28"). The LXX merely transliterates yaSels. It means far more politly ‘orystal’ (so RV, Oxf. Heb. Lex., Sieg- ried-Stade, Dillmann, A. B. Davidson, εἰ a/.)

Although this is not, and never has been, regarded as a precious stone, yet fine pieces of rock erystal, especially if large enough to be made into vases, The word oy, 734 PECULIAR which occurs in the same passage, and in Pr 3% (Keré) 8% 20% 311, La 47, should perhaps be tr# ‘pearls’ (see Dillm. on Job 28%). Both AV and J text have ‘rubies,’)/ RVm ‘or red coral or pearls’ (in La 47 ‘or corals’), Pearls (uapyaptrat) are mentioned in the NT in several places.

‘They were and are much Soe gems (1 Ti 2°, Rey 17"). They were chosen by Christ as a type of that which was most precious, to be compared with the kingdom of heaven (Mt 13"). The verb nazam in Arab., coupled with /ulu=‘ pearl,’ signifies ‘to string pearls.’ Coupled with shir=‘ poetry,’ it means ‘to arrange verses.’ Thus poetry is com- pared with sees The Arab poets and authors ring innumerable changes on the names for pearls in characterizing their literary productions.

Thus a poem is called ‘the Lone Pearl,’ or ‘The Precious Pearl,’ or ‘ The String of Pearls,’ ete. Our Saviour warns us against giving that which is holy unto dogs, and casting our pearls before swine (Mt 7°). The instinct of Christian consciousness has usually interpreted pearls here as referring |to the precious words of Divine revelation. This would be in strict accord with the Oriental usage above illus- trated. The gates of pearl (Rev 21") are probably to be understood as mother of pearl.

Separate pearls are the same in composition and origin as the shell, being formed by the gradual deposition of layers of the secretion of the oyster, Avicula margaritifera, L. They are usually deposited in the most fleshy parts, particularly within and around the adductor muscle. When the secretion of the oyster is morbidly increased, not only are separate pearls formed, but nodules and excres- cences of the same sort are produced on the inner surface of the shell.

These are often detached and sold as pearls, but at a lower price. G. E. Post.