3:15

The parallel parts in 3:15a form a chiasm. They occur in the opposite order from the parallel parts in 3:15b.

15a
She is more precious than rubies ;

15b
nothing you desire compares with her,

The first line is parallel in meaning to the two lines of 3:14. The second line summarizes and expands the thought of all three lines.

3:15a

She is more precious: The word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as precious means “valuable” (Good News Translation).

rubies: The meaning of the Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as rubies is uncertain. Several scholars say that it probably refers to “red corals” (Revised English Bible). Because of the uncertain meaning, several English versions use the word “jewels,” a more general term. If you use a specific term such as “rubies” or “red corals,” be sure that these items are considered to be extremely valuable.

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