זְכוּכִית
𐤆𐤊𐤅𐤊𐤉𐤕
zᵉkûwkîyth
H2137 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Transparent material, often referring to a substance remarkable for its clarity or resemblance to glass or crystal. In biblical usage, signifies a material quality of exceptional transparency and brilliance, often associated with a precious or decorative object, such as a pavement or surface.
Semantic Range
transparent material, glass, crystal, clear precious mineral; by extension, material characterized by purity or clarity
Root / Etymology
Related to the root זכה (z-k-h), meaning 'to be clear, clean, pure.' The noun זְכוּכִית derives from the sense of transparency and purity. The form is a feminine noun indicating a material characterized by clarity.
Historical & Contextual Notes
זְכוּכִית occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible, most notably in Job 28:17 and possibly in other poetic or descriptive contexts. In these passages, it is used to describe a substance of high value and visual transparency; this has led interpreters to translate it as 'glass,' though the production and widespread use of true glass in the ancient Levant was rare and likely limited to luxury items and inlays, if at all. Some contexts imply comparison with crystal or similar high-value, transparent minerals. Because ancient Hebrew lacked a highly technical vocabulary for mineralogical substances, the term may encompass several transparent materials (glass, crystal, possibly rock crystal or clear quartz). Later Hebrew (Rabbinic) uses זְכוּכִית as the regular word for glass, reflecting technological developments, but this is an extension beyond biblical usage. English translations may narrow the meaning to 'glass' or 'crystal,' but the biblical semantic range is broader, referring to any prized transparent material. This distinguishes it from related words denoting other precious stones or metals.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from זָכָה; properly, transparency, i.e. glass; crystal.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
זכה (z-k-h) — to be clear, clean, pure
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2137-01 |
וּ/זְכוֹכִ֑ית | uzekhokhit | HC/Ncfsa |
and-crystal | and clear crystal | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H2137-01 |
Job 28:17 | וּ/זְכוֹכִ֑ית | uzekhokhit | HC/Ncfsa |
and-crystal | and clear crystal |