Bible Dictionaries
Pearl

Morrish Bible Dictionary

In Job 28:18 the word is gabish, which signifies 'ice' and hence 'crystal.' In the N.T. παργαρίτης is from 'to glisten, shine,' and perhaps refers to pearls, such as are discovered in shells of various species. They are mentioned three times as distinct from precious stones. Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12,16 . They were worn as an ornament by women. 1 Timothy 2:9 . Metaphorically the term applies to anything costly: things which should not be cast before swine. Matthew 7:6 . The gates of the heavenly Jerusalem were each of one pearl. Revelation 21:21 . In the parable of the one Pearl of Great Price the Lord is represented as selling all that He had (as man and Messiah) in order to become its possessor. Matthew 13:45,46 . It implies the unique character of the church in the eyes of Christ.

Bibliography Information
Morrish, George. Entry for 'Pearl'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​mbd/​p/pearl.html. 1897.