Gold definition
(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 asbeing enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or "fine gold" (1 Kings6:20; 7:49). (3.) Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Ps.19:10; 21:3, etc.). (4.) Heb. betzer, "ore of gold or silver" as dug outof the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches). (5.) Heb.kethem, i.e., something concealed or separated (Job 28:16,19; Ps.45:9; Prov. 25:12). Rendered "golden wedge" in Isa. 13:12. (6.) Heb.haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (Prov. 8:10; 16:16; Zech. 9:3).Gold was known from the earliest times (Gen. 2:11). It wasprincipally used for ornaments (Gen. 24:22). It was very abundant (1Chr. 22:14; Nah. 2:9; Dan. 3:1). Many tons of it were used inconnection with the temple (2 Chr. 1:15). It was found in Arabia,Sheba, and Ophir (1 Kings 9:28; 10:1; Job 28:16), but not inPalestine. In Dan. 2:38, the Babylonian Empire is spoken of as a"head of gold" because of its great riches; and Babylon was called byIsaiah (14:4) the "golden city" (R.V. marg., "exactress," adopting thereading _marhebah_, instead of the usual word _madhebah_).
