Job 28:15 — Word Study
WLCלֹא־ יֻתַּ֣ן סְג֣וֹר תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ וְלֹ֥א יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל כֶּ֣סֶף מְחִירָֽהּ׃
BSAIt cannotlôʼ [cannot be obtained] be boughtnâthan▸ withtachath goldçᵉgôwr [or silver, precious metals] nor [can]lôʼ its pricemᵉchîyr [value, worth] be weighed outshâqal▸ [measured, evaluated] in silverkeçeph [money, payment]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| לֹא־ | not | Particle |
| יֻתַּ֣ן | it will be given | Verb, Hophal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| סְג֣וֹר | fine gold | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ | for it | Noun common masculine plural construct, suffix |
| וְלֹ֥א | and not | Conjunction, particle |
| יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל | it will be weighed out | Verb, Niphal, imperfect third person masculine singular |
| כֶּ֣סֶף | silver | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| מְחִירָֽהּ׃ | price its | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver. |
| KJV | It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. |
| ASV | It cannot be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof. |
| YLT | Gold is not given for it, Nor is silver weighed — its price. |
| WEB | It can’t be gotten for gold, neither will silver be weighed for its price. |
| BBE | Gold may not be given for it, or a weight of silver in payment for it. |
Where they part company is in the phrasing of the second clause — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence has one main clause and a second clause connected by a conjunction, emphasizing the impossibility of purchasing wisdom.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectסְגוֹר
verbנָתַן
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 — Job 28:15
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 Inaccessibility of Wisdomgenerated
Job 28:15 reflects on the nature of wisdom, emphasizing that it cannot be acquired through material means like gold or silver. This passage is part of a larger discourse in Job that explores the depths of wisdom and understanding, which are portrayed as elusive and invaluable, far surpassing earthly riches. The surrounding verses also highlight the futility of searching for wisdom in physical locations or through worldly possessions.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 28:18 | Coral and quartz are unworthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:13–15 | Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who acquires understanding, |
| 3 | Proverbs 8:10–17 | Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. |
| 4 | Proverbs 16:16 | How much better to acquire wisdom than gold! To gain understanding is more desirable than silver. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 4 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — סְג֣וֹר, se.Gorgenerated
The Hebrew word סְג֣וֹר (segor) refers to fine gold, indicating something precious and enclosed. Its root suggests a sense of containment or security, emphasizing the idea that wisdom is not something that can be easily grasped or owned.
In this verse, it illustrates that true wisdom cannot be bought or measured by material wealth, reinforcing the notion that its value transcends physical currency.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which states that wisdom cannot be bought with gold or weighed out in silver.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb in the verse is יֻתַּ֣ן, it will be given, which governs the structure. The sentence consists of two clauses: the first indicates what cannot be bought, and the second describes what cannot be weighed out, both emphasizing the limitations of material wealth.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the negation לֹא at the beginning of both clauses, highlighting the impossibility of acquiring wisdom through gold or silver.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew סְג֣וֹר is translated as συγκλεισμὸν, which carries the connotation of something that is enclosed or secured. This choice reinforces the idea that wisdom is a treasure that cannot be accessed through ordinary means.
The Greek word δώσει for יֻתַּ֣ן also indicates giving, aligning with the notion that wisdom is bestowed rather than purchased.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 28:15 teaches that wisdom cannot be bought with gold or weighed out in silver. This shows that true wisdom is far more valuable than any material wealth, emphasizing its unique and precious nature.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that true wisdom is not something that can be acquired through money or material possessions; it is a valuable quality that must be sought after and earned.
This verse is part of a larger discourse on the nature of wisdom, emphasizing its inaccessibility and the futility of searching for it in physical riches.
Wisdom can be sought through learning, experience, and seeking guidance from those who are wise, rather than through material means.
Gold and silver are often seen as the highest forms of wealth, so comparing wisdom to them highlights its superior value and the idea that it cannot be quantified or purchased.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways do I seek wisdom in my own life?
- How can I value wisdom more than material possessions?
- What are some practical steps I can take to pursue wisdom?
- How does understanding the value of wisdom change my perspective on wealth?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 28:15 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleIt cannot be gotten for gold,.... Having in general said that there is nothing in the whole compass of the terraqueous globe, nothing that is upon the surface of the earth, or in the bowels of it, or
Read John Gill on Job 28 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryIt cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 28 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleFor gold; the choicest gold laid up in treasures, as the word signifies. Weighed, to wit, in the balance; for in those times money was paid by weight, not by tale. See ,10.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 28 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 28:15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof.Ver. 15. It cannot be gotten for gold] Non emitur, nec aestimatur, it is not purchased or procured with money, as other learning may ( en precium et praestantiam sapientiae). "With a great sum obtained I this freedom," said that colonel, Acts 22:28. So may many say of their learning, they have sufficiently paid for it. Cleanthes parted with all he had for learning; Plato gave thirty thousand florins for three books; Reuchlin gave the Jew that taught him Hebrew a crown for every hour’ s pains; Jerome got his skill in that language with the hazard of his life, and held it a good bargain. But here…
Read John Trapp on Job 28 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 15. It cannot be gotten for gold] Genuine religion and true happiness are not to be acquired by earthly property. Solomon made gold and silver as plentiful as the stones in Jerusalem, and had all the delights of the sons of men, and yet he was not happy; yea, he had wisdom, was the wisest of men, but he had not the wisdom of which Job speaks here, and therefore, to him, all was vanity and vexation of spirit. If Solomon, as some suppose, was the author of this book, the sentiments expressed here are such as we might expect from this deeply experienced and wise man.
Read AdamClarke on Job 28 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges15–19. As the preceding verses (1–14) expressed the idea that there was no “place” of Wisdom where men could find it and from which they could bring it forth, these verses express the idea that it can be acquired by no price which men can offer for it. It is altogether unattainable. The passage may contain the additional idea of the preciousness or desirableness of Wisdom (see Job 28:18), but the purpose of these verses is not to set forth wisdom as a good or as the chief good, for which one might willingly give all that he holds most precious; the thought of the passage is that though one should offer gold and precious stones for Wisdom it cannot be procured, being nowhere to be found.…
Read Cambridge on Job 28 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIt cannot be gotten for gold - Margin, “fine gold shall not be given for it.” The word which is here rendered “gold.” and in the margin “fine gold” (סגור segôr), is not the common word used to denote this metal.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 28 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible15. Gold — Hebrew, segor. Four different words are used for gold in this chapter.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 28 →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
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
It can’t be gotten for gold, neither will silver be weighed for its price.
It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
Fine gold cannot be given in exchange for it, nor can its price be weighed out in silver.
Tyndale line
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
It cannot be gotten for gold, Neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price thereof.
It cannot be obtained for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for the price of it.
Golde shall not be giuen for it, neyther shall siluer be weighed for the price thereof.
Strictly literal
Choice gold cannot be given for it, nor silver be weighed for its price.
Gold is not given for it, Nor is silver weighed — its price.
Gold is not given for it, || Nor is silver weighed—its price.
No fine gold can be given in lieu of her, and silver cannot be weighed out as her price.
It cannot be gotten for gold; neither can silver be weighed as its price.
From the Latin
The finest gold shall not purchase it, neither shall silver be weighed in exchange for it.
Simplified
It cannot be bought with gold; nor can it be purchased with silver.
Gold may not be given for it, or a weight of silver in payment for it.
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 states, "לֹא־ יֻתַּ֣ן סְג֣וֹר תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ וְלֹ֥א יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל כֶּ֣סֶף מְחִירָֽהּ׃" which translates to, "It cannot be bought with gold, nor can its price be weighed out in silver." The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in meaning, as all 8 words correspond directly, although the word order may differ. There are no significant differences in the core message regarding the inability to purchase wisdom with gold or silver. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variations for this verse, thus supporting the agreement found in the Masoretic Text and the Septuagint.
לֹא־ יֻתַּ֣ן סְג֣וֹר תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ וְלֹ֥א יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל כֶּ֣סֶף מְחִירָֽהּ׃
8 of the 8 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 Job 28:15
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.
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Part — ParticleHTn
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: give/deliver/send/produce
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
1a3) to make, constitute
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
1c2) to be put upon
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
V-Hophal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Hophal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVHi3ms
The Hebrew word סְגוֹר (*segor*) is derived from the root meaning 'to shut up' and refers to an enclosure or encasement. It can also denote fine gold, suggesting something that is securely contained. The entries consistently highlight its meanings related to containment and value.
סְגוֹר n.[m.] enclosure, encasement
base
H5458 סְגוֹר
5458 cgowr seg-ore'
from 5462; properly, shut up, i.e. the breast (as inclosing
the heart); also gold (as generally shut up safely):--caul,
gold.
see HEBREW for 05462
סְגוֹר (se.gor) — enclosure.
enclosure, encasement, fine gold
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…
תַּחַת (tachath) refers to the concept of being underneath or below. It can function as a noun meaning 'the under part,' or as an adverb and preposition indicating position or substitution, such as 'instead of' or 'for the sake of.' The word encompasses various uses, including physical placement and metaphorical meanings related to subjection or exchange.
תַּחַת n.[m.] the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of
base
H8478 תַּחַת the under part, hence as adv. accus. and prep. underneath, below, instead of
8478 tachath takh'-ath
from the same as 8430; the bottom (as depressed); only
adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix
underneath), in lieu of, etc.:--as, beneath, X flat,
in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead
of, under, X unto, X when...was mine, whereas, (where-)fore,
with.
see HEBREW for 08430
תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: under.
: under/below
1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m
1a) the under part adv accus
1b) beneath prep
1c) under, beneath
1c1) at the foot of (idiom)
1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig)
1c3) of subjection or conquest
1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands
1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun)
1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense)
1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged)
conj
1e) instead of, instead of that
1f) in return for that, because that in compounds
1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion)
1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
תַּחַת (ta.chat) — underneath: instead.
: instead/in_place/exchange
Prep | Suff — Noun common masculine plural construct · suffixHNcmpc/Sp3fs
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
1) not, no
1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition)
1b) not (with modifier-negation)
1c) nothing (subst)
1d) without (with particle)
1e) before (of time)
Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Conj | Part — Conjunction · particleHC/Tn
The Hebrew word שָׁקַל (*shaqal*) means 'to weigh' and encompasses various usages such as weighing out a price or being weighed. It is a primitive root that can also imply the act of paying or spending. The entries highlight its application in trade and figuratively in contexts of grief.
שָׁקַל vb. weigh
Qal
weigh
weigh out a price
Niph. be weighed
base
H8254 שָׁקַל weigh
8254 shaqal shaw-kal'
a primitive root; to suspend or poise (especially in
trade):--pay, receive(-r), spend, X throughly, weigh.
שָׁקַל (sha.qal) — to weigh.
1) to weigh, weigh out, pay out
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to weigh
1a2) to weigh out (a price)
1a3) of grief (fig)
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be weighed
1b2) to be weighed out
Aramaic equivalent: te.qal (תְּקַל "to weigh" H8625A)
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms — Verb · Niphal · imperfect third person masculine singularHVNi3ms
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) refers to silver and money, derived from a root meaning 'to be pale.' It encompasses various aspects of silver, including its use as a metal, ornament, and a measure of wealth or value. The term appears in contexts related to payment and price, indicating its significance in transactions.
כֶּ֫סֶף 402 n.m. silver, money
= silver ore, raw silver
silver as bright, shining
silver, as wealth
silver as spoil of war
silver as merchandise
silver as costly gift
silver as material
silver as measure of weight and value
among vbs. and phr.
base
H3701 כֶּ֫סֶף silver, money
3701 keceph keh'-sef
from 3700; silver (from its pale color); by implication,
money:--money, price, silver(-ling).
see HEBREW for 03700
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: money.
: money/payment/silver
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
כֶּ֫סֶף (ke.seph) — silver: price.
: price
1) silver, money
1a) silver
1a1) as metal
1a2) as ornament
1a3) as colour
1b) money, shekels, talents
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
sil'-ver (keceph; argurion, arguros): Silver was known in the earliest historic times. Specimens of early Egyptian and Babylonian silver work testify to the skill of the ancient silversmiths. In Palestine, silver objects have been found antedating the occupation of the land by the Hebrews. This metal was used for making all kinds of ornamental objects. In the mound of Gezer were found bowls, vases, ladles, hairpins, rings and bracelets of silver. The rings and settings for scarabs or seals were commonly of this metal. The first mention of silver in the Bible is in Ge 13:2, where it says that Abraham was rich in cattle, in silver and gold. At that time it was commonly used in exchange in the form of bars or other shapes. Coins of that metal were of a much later date (Ge 20:16…
Silver
Used for a great variety of purposes, as may be judged from the frequent references to it in Scripture. It first appears in commerce in Gen. 13:2; 23:15, 16. It was largely employed for making vessels for the sanctuary in the wilderness (Ex. 26:19; 27:17; Num. 7:13, 19; 10:2). There is no record of its having been found in Syria or Palestine. It was brought in large quantities by foreign merchants from abroad, from Spain and India and other countries probably.
In very early times silver was used for ornaments, (Genesis 24:53) and for vessels of various kinds. Images for idolatrous worship were made of silver or overlaid with it, (Exodus 20:23; Hosea 13:2); Habb 2:19 Bar. 6:39, and the manufacture of silver shrines for Diana was a trade in Ephesus. (Acts 19:24) But its chief use was as a medium of exchange, and throughout the Old Testament we find "silver" used for money, like the French argent . Silver was brought to Solomon from Arabia, (2 Chronicles 9:14) and from Tarshish, (2 Chronicles 9:21) which supplied the markets…
One of the precious metals and the one most commonly used as coin among all nations. It is first mentioned in Scripture in the history of Abraham, Ge 13:2 20:16 23:16, and was used in constricting the tabernacle, Ex 26:19,32, and afterwards the temple, 1Ch 29:4. In employing it as a medium of trade, the ancient Hebrews weighed it out, instead of having coins. In the times of the New Testament there were coins. See SHEKEL, and MONEY.
מְחִיר (mechir) refers to the concepts of price and hire, indicating payment or wages for goods or services. It is derived from a root meaning to buy, emphasizing its connection to transactions and worth. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts related to financial exchange.
מְחִיר n.m. price, hire (as that which is placed in front of one, presented, offered)
base
H4242 מְחִיר price, hire
4242 mchiyr mekk-eer'
from an unused root meaning to buy; price, payment,
wages:--gain, hire, price, sold, worth.
מְחִיר (me.chir) — price.
1) price, hire
1a) price
1b) hire, reward, gain
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3fs