זָהָב

From the study of Haggai 2:8

Range of meaning

Gold, the metal; gold objects; by extension great value or splendour.

Against the English

No real difference. 'Gold' is accurate.

Used elsewhere in the period

Solomon overlaid the inner sanctuary, altar and cherubim with gold (1 Kgs 6:20–22, 28, 30). That gold was stripped by Shishak (1 Kgs 14:26), by kings paying tribute (2 Kgs 18:16), and finally by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kgs 24:13). Cyrus sent back gold and silver vessels (Ezra 1:7–11), and Darius ordered the building costs paid from royal revenue (Ezra 6:8).

From the study of Psalm 119:127

Range of meaning

Gold, the ordinary word. It is used for jewelry, royal treasure, tribute, temple furnishings, and as a measure of wealth.

Against the English

No real difference from English "gold".

Used elsewhere in the period

Comparing wisdom or God's instruction with gold and silver is a standard device in Israel's wisdom writing (Prov 3:14; 8:10–11; 16:16; Job 28:15–19; Ps 119:72).

From the study of Exodus 25:18

Range of meaning

Gold, as metal, as wealth, and as the material of royal and divine furnishings. In the tabernacle account the metals form a scale: bronze in the outer court, silver for the bases, gold inside, and 'pure gold' (zahav tahor) for the objects nearest the presence, including the cover itself (25:17).

Against the English

No real drift. English 'gold' is accurate, but readers may miss that the choice of metal maps holiness: the more precious the metal, the closer to God.

Used elsewhere in the period

Temple and palace furniture across the ancient Near East was overlaid or made of gold; Egyptian royal and temple shrines (e.g., the gilded shrines from Tutankhamun's tomb) show gold winged figures protecting a sacred object.