2 Chronicles 4:20 — Word Study
WLCוְאֶת־ הַמְּנֹר֞וֹת וְנֵרֹתֵיהֶ֗ם לְבַעֲרָ֧ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט לִפְנֵ֥י הַדְּבִ֖יר זָהָ֥ב סָגֽוּר׃
BSAthe lampstandsmᵉnôwrâh [candlesticks, chandeliers] of pureçâgar goldzâhâb [most pure, refined] and their lampsnîyr [devices for light] to burnbâʻar [be ignited, consume with fire] in frontpânîym of the inner sanctuarydᵉbîyr [before the presence, in the face of, the Most Holy Place, the oracle] as prescribedmishpâṭ [according to the ordinance, in the manner specified]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאֶת־ | and the object marker | Conjunction, particle |
| הַמְּנֹר֞וֹת | the lampstands | Particle, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| וְנֵרֹתֵיהֶ֗ם | and lamps their | Conjunction, noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| לְבַעֲרָ֧ם | to burn they | Preposition, verb piel infinitive construct common, suffix |
| כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט | according to the ordinance | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| לִפְנֵ֥י | before | Preposition, noun common masculine plural construct |
| הַדְּבִ֖יר | the innermost room | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| זָהָ֥ב | gold | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| סָגֽוּר׃ | pure gold | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed; |
| KJV | Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold; |
| ASV | and the candlesticks with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold; |
| YLT | and the candlesticks, and their lamps, for their burning according to the ordinance, before the oracle, of gold refined; |
| WEB | and the lamp stands with their lamps to burn according to the ordinance before the inner sanctuary, of pure gold; |
| BBE | And the supports for the lights with their lights, to be burning in the regular way in front of the inmost room, of the best gold; |
Where they part company is in the details of the translation of מְנוֹרָה — see How Translations Differ.
The structure consists of a main clause followed by an infinitive phrase and prepositional phrases, clarifying the purpose and location of the lampstands.
4 commentators on this verse
Jamieson, Poole, Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — 2 Chronicles 4:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Furnishings of Solomon's Templegenerated
2 Chronicles 4:20 describes the lampstands and their lamps made of pure gold, intended to burn in front of the inner sanctuary, as part of the elaborate furnishings Solomon created for the temple. This reflects the meticulous attention to detail in the construction of the temple, emphasizing its sacredness and the presence of God within it.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 4:7 | He made ten gold lampstands according to their specifications and placed them in the temple, five on the south side and five on the north. |
| 2 | Exodus 25:31–37 | Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. |
| 3 | Exodus 27:20–21 | And you are to command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. |
| 4 | 1 Kings 6:5–16 | Against the walls of the temple and the inner sanctuary, Solomon built a chambered structure around the temple, in which he constructed the side rooms. |
| 5 | 1 Kings 8:6 | Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 6 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מְנוֹרָה, ha.me.no.Rotgenerated
The word מְנוֹרָה (menorah) specifically refers to a lampstand, often associated with the seven-branched lampstand used in the tabernacle and later in the temple. This term emphasizes the importance of light in the worship of God, symbolizing His presence and guidance.
As a feminine noun in the plural form, it indicates multiple lampstands, which were integral to the temple's design. The lampstands served both a practical purpose of providing light and a symbolic purpose of representing God's illuminating presence among His people.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in this verse is לְבַעֲרָ֧ם, to burn, which governs the entire clause. The structure indicates what is being burned (the lampstands and their lamps) and where this occurs (before the inner sanctuary).
The sentence is organized with a noun phrase followed by a prepositional phrase, creating a clear relationship between the lampstands, their function, and their location in the temple.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates מְנוֹרָה as λυχνίας (lychnias), which means 'lampstands' or 'light holders.' This choice emphasizes the function of these objects as sources of light.
The use of λυχνίας aligns with the Greek understanding of light and illumination, reinforcing the symbolic presence of God in the temple.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
2 Chronicles 4:20 describes the lampstands made of pure gold and their lamps, which were to burn in front of the inner sanctuary. This shows the importance of light in the temple, symbolizing God's presence among His people.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The lampstands symbolize God's presence and guidance, illuminating the holy space where God dwells.
Gold represents purity and value, reflecting the holiness of the temple and the importance of worship.
This verse is part of a broader description of the temple's furnishings, which all serve to create a sacred space for worship and divine presence.
The inner sanctuary, or the Most Holy Place, is where God's presence dwelled and was separated from the rest of the temple.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How does the symbolism of light in the lampstands affect your understanding of God's presence?
- What does the use of pure gold in the temple furnishings teach us about the nature of worship?
- In what ways can we invite God's presence into our own spaces?
- How does the design of the temple reflect the holiness of God?
Commentators on this verse — 4 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on 2 Chronicles 4:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryTo wit, the two pillars, and the pommels, and the chapiters which were on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two pommels of the chapiters which were on the top of the
Read Robert Jamieson on 2 Chronicles 4 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAfter the manner; according to the prescription of God to and by Moses.
Read Matthew Poole on 2 Chronicles 4 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(20) With (and) their lamps, that they should burn after the manner (according to the legal rule—2 Chronicles 4:7). This is added by the chronicler, who omits “five on the right and five on the left” (Kings). The rest is as in Kings.
Read Charles John Ellicott on 2 Chronicles 4 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. moreover the candlesticks] R.V. and the candlesticks. See 2 Chronicles 4:7, note. after the manner] R.V. according to the ordinance. the oracle] See note on 2 Chronicles 3:16.
Read Cambridge on 2 Chronicles 4 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;
and the lamp stands with their lamps to burn according to the ordinance before the inner sanctuary, of pure gold;
the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps, to burn in front of the inner sanctuary as prescribed;
the pure gold lampstands and their lamps which burned as specified at the entrance to the inner sanctuary,
Tyndale line
Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;
and the candlesticks with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold;
and the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold;
Moreover the candlesticks with their lamps, that they should burn after the manner before the oracle, of pure gold;
Moreouer the candlestickes, with their lampes to burne them after the maner, before the oracle, of pure golde.
Strictly literal
and the candlesticks with their lamps to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold;
and the candlesticks, and their lamps, for their burning according to the ordinance, before the oracle, of gold refined;
and the lampstands, and their lamps, for their burning according to the ordinance, before the oracle, of gold refined;
And the candlesticks with their lamps, to light them after the prescribed manner before the debir, of pure gold.
the lampstands with their lamps, that were designed to burn before the inner room—these were made of pure gold;
From the Latin
The candlesticks also of most pure gold with their lamps to give light before the oracle, according to the manner.
Simplified
the lampstands of pure gold and their lamps that were to burn in front of the Most Holy Place as specified;
And the supports for the lights with their lights, to be burning in the regular way in front of the inmost room, of the best gold;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in this verse, with eight of the nine words matched. The Septuagint reflects a similar understanding of the furnishings described, though its word order differs.
וְאֶת־ הַמְּנֹר֞וֹת וְנֵרֹתֵיהֶ֗ם לְבַעֲרָ֧ם כַּמִּשְׁפָּ֛ט לִפְנֵ֥י הַדְּבִ֖יר זָהָ֥ב סָגֽוּר׃
8 of the 9 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in 2 Chronicles 4:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אֵת (eth) is primarily a grammatical marker in Hebrew, indicating the definite direct object of a verb. It is not translated into English and typically precedes nouns that are definite. The word is derived from a demonstrative sense of entity, related to the Hebrew word for 'self.' Its Aramaic equivalent is יָת (yat).
אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
base
H853 אֵת the mark of the accusative, prefixed as a rule only to nouns that are definite
853 'eth ayth
apparent contracted from 226 in the demonstrative sense of
entity; properly, self (but generally used to point out more
definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or
namely):--(as such unrepresented in English).
see HEBREW for 0226
אֵת (et) — [Obj.].
sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative
Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
HC/To — Conjunction · particleHC/To
מְנוֹרָה (mĕnôrâ) means 'lampstand' and refers specifically to a type of chandelier or candlestick. It is noted in the context of both private homes and the temple, particularly the seven-branched lampstand used in the tabernacle. The word is derived from a feminine form of another Hebrew word related to light.
מְנוֹרָה, מְנֹרָה 42 n.f. lampstand
in private house
ten lampstands in temple
seven-branched lampstand in tabern.
base
H4501 מְנוֹרָה, מְנֹרָה lampstand
4501 mnowrah men-o-raw'
or mnorah {men-o-raw'}; feminine of 4500 (in the original
sense of 5216); a chandelier:--candlestick.
see HEBREW for 04500
see HEBREW for 05216
מְנוֹרָה (me.no.rah) — lampstand.
lamp stand
Art | N-fp — Particle · noun common feminine plural absoluteHTd/Ncfpa
נֵר (ner) and נִיר (nir) both mean 'lamp' in Hebrew. The word is derived from a root that suggests brightness or glistening, and it can refer to a literal lamp or light as well as a figurative one. The entries indicate that these forms are interchangeable, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
נֵר 43 n.m. lamp
base
נִיר n.[m.] lamp
base
H5216a נֵר lamp H5216b נִיר lamp
5216 niyr neer
or nir {neer}; also neyr {nare}; or ner {nare}; or (feminine)
nerah {nay-raw'}; from a primitive root (see 5214; 5135)
properly, meaning to glisten; a lamp (i.e. the burner) or
light (literally or figuratively):--candle, lamp, light.
see HEBREW for 05214
see HEBREW for 05135
נֵר (ner) — lamp.
lamp
Also means: nir (נִיר "lamp" H5216B)
נִיר (nir) — lamp.
lamp
Another spelling of ner (נֵר "lamp" H5216A)
Conj | N-mp | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHC/Ncfpc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word בָּעַר (ba'ar) has two primary meanings: to burn or consume, and to be brutish or stupid. It encompasses actions related to fire, such as kindling and burning, as well as figurative uses like consuming guilt. Additionally, it can denote a state of dullness or lack of receptiveness. The lexicons provide various nuances, particularly in how the burning aspect can relate to wrath or destruction.
[בָּעַר] vb. burn, consume
Qal burn
Pi.
kindle
burn
fig. consume, utterly remove
Pu. burn (i.e. be supplied with fire), of fire-jar
Hiph.
kindle
burn up
base
[בָּעַר] vb. denom. be brutish
Qal be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive
Niph. brutish, stupid
Pi. feed, graze
Hiph. cause to be grazed over
base
H1197a [בָּעַר] burn, consume .burn
. . kindle
. burn
. fig. consume, utterly remove
. burn (i.e. be supplied with fire), of fire-jar
. . kindle
. burn up
H1197b [בָּעַר] vb. denom. be brutish .be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive
. brutish, stupid
. feed, graze
. cause to be grazed over
1197 ba`ar baw-ar'
a primitive root; to kindle, i.e. consume (by fire or by
eating); also (as denominative from 1198) to be(-come)
brutish:--be brutish, bring (put, take) away, burn, (cause to)
eat (up), feed, heat, kindle, set ((on fire)), waste.
see HEBREW for 01198
בָּעַר (ba.ar) — to burn: burn.
: burn/ignite
1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning
1a2) to burn, be burning
1a3) to burn, consume
1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to kindle, burn
1b2) to consume, remove (of guilt) (fig.)
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to kindle
1c2) to burn up
1c3) to consume (destroy)
1d) (Pual) to burn
בָּעַר (ba.ar) — be brutish.
v denom
1) to be stupid, brutish, barbarous
1a) (Qal) to be stupid, dull-hearted, unreceptive
1b) (Niphal) to be stupid, dull-hearted
1c) (Piel) to feed, graze
1d) (Hiphil) to cause to be grazed over
בָּעַר (ba.ar) — to burn: destroy.
: destroy
1) to burn, consume, kindle, be kindled
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to begin to burn, be kindled, start burning
1a2) to burn, be burning
1a3) to burn, consume
1a4) Jehovah's wrath, human wrath (fig.)
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to kindle, burn
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a | Suff — Preposition · verb piel infinitive construct common · suffixHR/Vpcc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word מִשְׁפָּט (mishpat) primarily means judgment or justice and encompasses various aspects such as legal rights, ordinances, and decisions. It is derived from a root meaning to pronounce a verdict, covering both human and divine law. The entries highlight its application in legal contexts, including the act of deciding cases and the attributes of justice and rectitude.
מִשְׁפָּט 422 n.m. judgment
judgment
justice, right, rectitude
ordinance
decision
one's (legal) right, privilege, due
proper, fitting, measure
custom, manner
what manner of
plan
base
H4941 מִשְׁפָּט judgment . judgment
. justice, right, rectitude
. ordinance
. decision
. one's (legal) right, privilege, due
. . proper, fitting, measure
. custom, manner
. what manner of
. plan
4941 mishpat mish-pawt'
from 8199; properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable)
pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree
(human or (participant's) divine law, individual or
collective), including the act, the place, the suit, the
crime, and the penalty; abstractly, justice, including a
participant's right or privilege (statutory or customary), or
even a style:--+ adversary, ceremony, charge, X crime,
custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due,
fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly),
(manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order,
ordinance, right, sentence, usest, X worthy, + wrong.
see HEBREW for 08199
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice: judgement.
: judgement/punishment
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man)
1c) ordinance
1d) decision (in law)
1e) right, privilege, due (legal)
1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
מִשְׁפָּט (mish.pat) — justice.
: justice/right/righteousness
1) judgment, justice, ordinance
1a) judgment
1a1) act of deciding a case
1a2) place, court, seat of judgment
1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges)
1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment)
1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment)
1a6) execution (of judgment)
1a7) time (of judgment)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHRd/Ncmsa
or'-di-nans:
1. Old Testament Use:
This word generally represents chuqqah, something prescribed, enactment, usually with reference to matters of ritual. In the King James Version the same word is frequently translated by "statute" or "statutes," which is also the rendering of a similar Hebrew word, namely, choq. the Revised Version (British and American) generally retains "ordinance," but sometimes substitutes "statute" (e.g. Ex 18:20; Ps 99:7). In one instance the Revised Version (British and American) renders "set portion" (Eze 45:14). The word generally has a religious or ceremonial significance. It is used for instance in connection with the Passover (Ex 12:43;
The Hebrew word פָּנֶה (*pāneh*) is a noun meaning 'face' or 'presence,' and it appears in various contexts, including the faces of seraphim and animals, as well as the surface of the ground. It can also function as an adverb meaning 'before' or 'in front of.' The word is built from a root that suggests turning or facing, and it encompasses a wide range of applications, both literal and figurative.
[פָּנֶה], pl. פָּנִים 2123 n.m. face, also faces
face, faces
presence, person
technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
face of seraphim
face of animals
face (= surface) of ground
as adv.loc. before
for other phrases
with prepositions
base
H6440 פָּנֶה, pl. פָּנִים face, also faces . . face, faces
. . presence, person
. technically, see one's face, i.e. appear before one, in one's presence
. face of seraphim
. face of animals
. face (= surface) of ground
. as adv. loc. before
. for other phrases
. with prepositions
6440 paniym paw-neem'
plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun (paneh
{paw-neh'}; from 6437); the face (as the part that turns);
used in a great variety of applications (literally and
figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a
preposition (before, etc.):--+ accept, a-(be- )fore(-time),
against, anger, X as (long as), at, + battle, + because (of),
+ beseech, countenance, edge, + employ, endure, + enquire,
face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er
time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, X him(-self), +
honourable, + impudent, + in, it, look(-eth) (- s), X me, +
meet, X more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), X on,
open, + out of, over against, the partial, person, + please,
presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, + regard, right
forth, + serve, X shewbread, sight, state, straight, + street,
X thee, X them(-selves), through (+ - out), till, time(-s)
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face: before.
: before/to/front
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
פָּנֶה (pa.neh) — face.
: face
1) face
1a) face, faces
1b) presence, person
1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim)
1d) face (of animals)
1e) face, surface (of ground)
1f) as adv of loc/temp
1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before
1g) with prep
1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from…
Prep | N-cp — Preposition · noun common masculine plural constructHR/Ncmpc
be-for': The translation of a great variety of Hebrew and Greek words. "Haran died before (the English Revised Version "in the presence of," literally "before the face of") his father Terah" (Ge 11:28). To be "before" God is to enjoy His favor (Ps 31:22). "The Syrians before" (Isa 9:12 the Revised Version, margin "on the east," as "behind," owing to the position of Canaan, relative to Syria, implies the west).
דְּבִיר (debiyr) refers to the innermost part of a sanctuary, specifically the holy of holies in the temple of Solomon. It is associated with the concept of an oracle, indicating a sacred space where divine communication occurs. The word is derived from a root meaning 'oracle' and emphasizes its significance within the religious context.
דְּבִיר n.m. hindmost chamber, innermost room of the temple of Solomon
base
H1687 דְּבִיר
1687 dbiyr deb-eer'
or (shortened) dbir {deb-eer'}; from 1696 (apparently in the
sense of oracle); the shrine or innermost part of the
sanctuary:--oracle.
see HEBREW for 01696
דְּבִיר (de.vir) — sanctuary.
1) the holy of holies, the innermost room of the temple or tabernacle
1a) hindmost chamber, innermost room of the temple of Solomon, most holy place, holy of holies
2) (TWOT) oracle
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
room.
See HOUSE.
The references to "room" in (Matthew 23:6; Mark 12:39; Luke 14:7,8; 20:46) signify the highest place on the highest couch round the dinner or supper table --the "uppermost seat", as it is more accurately rendered in (Luke 11:43)
Is sometimes synonymous with seat or place, as in Lu 14:8-10; 20:46.
זָהָב (zahab) means gold and is derived from an unused root that conveys the idea of shimmering. It encompasses various aspects of gold, including its value as a precious metal, its use as a measure of weight, and its figurative brilliance. The term appears in contexts related to wealth, merchandise, and gifts.
זָהָב 385 n.m. gold
= gold-ore, gold in raw state
gold as wealth
gold as spoil of war
gold as merchandise
gold as costly gift
gold as material
gold described by its source
gold defined by var. adj. and pts.
as measure of weight and value
= golden oil, from colour
often named with
the chief vbs. used
base
H2091 זָהָב gold
2091 zahab zaw-hawb'
from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold, figuratively,
something gold-colored (i.e. yellow), as oil, a clear sky:--
gold(-en), fair weather.
זָהָב (za.hav) — gold.
1) gold
1a) as precious metal
1b) as a measure of weight
1c) of brilliance, splendour (fig.)
Aramaic equivalent: de.hav (דְּהַב "gold" H1722)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
gold (zahabh; chrusos):
1. Terms:
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).
Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17;
Gold
(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).
(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).
Gold was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 2:11) It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. (Genesis 24:22) Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Comp. (Genesis 43:21) Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by…
A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Ge 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of…
סָגַר (sagar) means to shut or close, with various applications including shutting doors, closing up breaches, and imprisoning. It can also imply delivering someone up or surrendering. The verb appears in different forms, such as Qal (to shut), Niphal (to be shut up), and Piel (to deliver up). The term is associated with the concept of being tightly sealed or enclosed.
סָגַר vb. shut, close
Qal
shut door
close in upon
close up breach
Pt. pass., closed up = closely joined with tight seal
elsewhwere only Pt. pass. (gold shut up, and so prized, rare, fine?)
Niph.
subj. pers. be shut up
be shut, closed, of city gates
Pi. deliver up to (leave no other opening for one, shut one up to)
Pu.
of cities
of prisoners
of doors
Hiph.
deliver up to
shut up
base
H5462 סָגַר shut, close .. shut door
. . close in upon
. close up breach
. Pt. pass., closed up = closely joined with tight seal
. elsewhwere only Pt. pass. (gold shut up, and so prized, rare, fine?)
. . subj. pers. be shut up
. be shut, closed, of city gates
. deliver up to (leave no other opening for one, shut one up to)
. . of cities
. of prisoners
. of doors
. . deliver up to
. shut up
5462 cagar saw-gar'
a primitive root; to shut up; figuratively, to
surrender:--close up, deliver (up), give over (up), inclose,
X pure, repair, shut (in, self, out, up, up together), stop, X
straitly.
סָגַר (sa.gar) — to shut.
1) to shut, close
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to shut
1a2) to close, close up
1a3) closed up, closely joined, shut up
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be shut up
1b2) to be shut or closed
1c) (Piel) to shut up, deliver up
1d) (Pual) to be shut up
1e) (Hiphil)
1e1) to deliver up
1e2) to shut up, imprison
2) pure gold
Aramaic equivalent: se.gar (סְגַר "to shut" H5463)
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
gold (zahabh; chrusos):
1. Terms:
No metal has been more frequently mentioned in Old Testament writings than gold, and none has had more terms applied to it. Among these terms the one most used is zahabh. The Arabic equivalent, dhahab, is still the common name for gold throughout Palestine, Syria and Egypt. With zahabh frequently occur other words which, translated, mean "pure" (Ex 25:11), "refined" (1Ch 28:18), "finest" (1Ki 10:18), "beaten" (1Ki 10:17), "Ophir" (Ps 45:9).
Other terms occurring are: paz, "fine gold" (Job 28:17;
Gold
(1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Ex. 25:11; 1 Chr. 28:18; 2 Chr. 3:5).
(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or “fine gold” (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).
Gold was known from the very earliest times. (Genesis 2:11) It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. (Genesis 24:22) Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Comp. (Genesis 43:21) Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, (1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9) but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by…
A well-known valuable metal, found in many parts of the world, and obtained anciently in Ophir, Job 28:16; Parvaim, 2Ch 3:6; Sheba, and Raamah, Eze 27:22. Job alludes to gold in various forms, Job 22:24 28:15-19. Abraham was rich in it, and female ornaments were early made of it, Ge 13:2 24:22,35. It is spoken of throughout Scripture; and the use of it among and ancient Hebrews, in its native and mixed state, and for the same purposes as at present, was very common. The Ark of the Covenant was overlaid with pure gold; the mercy seat, the vessels and utensils belonging to the tabernacle, and those also of the house of…