Proverbs 8:19 — Word Study
WLCט֣וֹב פִּ֭רְיִי מֵחָר֣וּץ וּמִפָּ֑ז וּ֝תְבוּאָתִ֗י מִכֶּ֥סֶף נִבְחָֽר׃
BSAMy fruitpᵉrîy [produce, outcome of my presence] is betterṭôwb [more valuable, superior] than goldchărûwts [fine gold, refined gold] pure goldpâz [unadulterated, precious metal] and my harvesttᵉbûwʼâh [revenue, crops] [surpasses] choicebâchar [exceeds, is more desirable than, selected, preferred] silverkeçeph [wealth, treasure]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| ט֣וֹב | [is] good | Adj |
| פִּ֭רְיִי | fruit my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| מֵחָר֣וּץ | more than gold | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וּמִפָּ֑ז | and more than pure gold | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| וּ֝תְבוּאָתִ֗י | and gain my | Conjunction, noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| מִכֶּ֥סֶף | more than silver | Preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| נִבְחָֽר׃ | chosen | Verb, Niphal, participle (active) masculine singular |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver. |
| KJV | My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. |
| ASV | My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver. |
| YLT | Better [is] my fruit than gold, even fine gold, And mine increase than choice silver. |
| WEB | My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver. |
| BBE | My fruit is better than gold, even than the best gold; and my increase is more to be desired than silver. |
Where they part company is טוֹב — see How Translations Differ.
One main clause with two comparative phrases, emphasizing the value of wisdom's fruit over material wealth.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbבָּחַר
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 — Proverbs 8:19
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 Value of Wisdomgenerated
Proverbs 8:19 emphasizes the incomparable value of wisdom's rewards, stating that her fruit is better than gold and her harvest surpasses silver. This section of Proverbs presents wisdom as a person who offers benefits that far exceed material wealth, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom for a fulfilling life.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 8:10 | Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:14 | for she is more profitable than silver, and her gain is better than fine gold. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 7:12 | For wisdom, like money, is a shelter, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of its owner. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 3 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — טוֹב, Tovgenerated
The Hebrew word טוֹב (tov) is an adjective meaning good or pleasant, covering a range of meanings from agreeable to ethical goodness. It is often associated with welfare and prosperity, indicating something beneficial or pleasing.
In this verse, it underscores that wisdom's fruit is not just good but superior, suggesting that the outcomes of wisdom's presence are of higher value than gold.
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 clause is governed by the predicate טוֹב, is good, with a noun phrase subject פִּ֭רְיִי (my fruit) and several prepositional phrases elaborating on the comparison to gold and silver. The structure highlights the superiority of wisdom's outcomes.
The Hebrew syntax places the subject first, emphasizing the fruit of wisdom before stating its comparison to precious metals, which draws attention to its inherent value.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates טוֹב as βέλτιον (beltion), which means better or superior. This choice reflects a direct correlation to the Hebrew meaning, reinforcing the idea that wisdom's benefits are of greater worth than material treasures.
The LXX maintains the same structure, indicating a consistent understanding of wisdom's value across both texts.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Proverbs 8:19 tells us that wisdom's fruit is more valuable than gold and her harvest is better than silver. This verse shows that the outcomes of wisdom are far superior to material wealth, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that the benefits and outcomes of wisdom are more valuable than material wealth, highlighting the importance of wisdom in life.
The verse illustrates that wisdom offers rewards that surpass even the most precious metals, emphasizing its superior value.
Wisdom is described as having fruit to signify the positive outcomes and benefits that result from living wisely.
We learn that pursuing wisdom is essential for a fulfilling life, as its rewards are far more significant than any material possessions.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I experienced the benefits of wisdom in my life?
- How can I prioritize seeking wisdom over material wealth?
- What are some practical steps I can take to cultivate wisdom in my daily life?
- How can I share the value of wisdom with others in my community?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Proverbs 8:19 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleMy fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold,.... This is said in allusion to the fruit that grows on trees, Wisdom, or Christ, being a tree of life, [See comments on Proverbs 3:18]; and so he
Read John Gill on Proverbs 8 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryMy fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. My fruit (is) better than gold, yea, than fine gold. "My fruit" is the benefit derived from me (Proverbs 3:14).
Read Robert Jamieson on Proverbs 8 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsProverbs 8:19 My fruit [is] better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.Ver. 19. My fruit is better than gold.] This wisdom is as those two golden pipes through which the two olive branches do empty out of themselves the golden oils of all precious graces into the candlestick, the Church; hence grace is here called "fruits," and "pleasant fruits," and "fruits of the Spirit."
Read John Trapp on Proverbs 8 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(19) My fruit. . . . my revenue.—i.e., the gain and profit which come from possessing me.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Proverbs 8 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges19. gold … silver] Comp. Proverbs 3:14. revenue] Or, increase, R.V. marg., preserving the figure of fruit in the parallel clause. γενήματα, LXX.; genimina, Vulg. Proverbs 8:22-31. Her august claims. Wisdom appeals to us, not only upon the ground of what she bestows (Proverbs 8:10-21), but upon the ground of what she is (Proverbs 8:22-31). On this Section see Introd. p. 31.
Read Cambridge on Proverbs 8 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleGold - The “choice, fine gold” of margin reference. The “fine gold” in the second clause is a different word, and perhaps represents gold extracted from the ore.
Read Albert Barnes on Proverbs 8 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible19. Gold — ηψεφ, rendered fine gold in Proverbs 3:14, where see note. τζ, paz, refined gold. My revenue — Not that which I receive, but which I bestow; the income which comes from practicing my precepts.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Proverbs 8 →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
My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver.
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold, my yield than choice silver.
My fruit is better than gold, pure gold, and my harvest surpasses choice silver.
My fruit is better than the purest gold, and what I produce is better than choice silver.
Tyndale line
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; And my revenue than choice silver.
My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
My fruite is better then golde, euen then fine golde, and my reuenues better then fine siluer.
Strictly literal
My fruit is better than fine gold, yea, than pure gold; and my revenue than choice silver.
Better [is] my fruit than gold, even fine gold, And mine increase than choice silver.
My fruit [is] better than gold, even fine gold, || And my increase than choice silver.
My fruit is better than gold, and than fine gold; and my products, than choice silver.
My fruit is better than gold, even fine gold; my produce is better than pure silver.
From the Latin
For my fruit is better than gold and the precious stone, and my blossoms than choice silver.
Simplified
The fruit I produce is better than gold, even pure gold, and my harvest is better than even the best silver.
My fruit is better than gold, even than the best gold; and my increase is more to be desired than silver.
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 agree on the wording of this verse, with all seven words matched. The Septuagint's translation reflects the same concepts and meanings, confirming the value attributed to wisdom in both texts.
ט֣וֹב פִּ֭רְיִי מֵחָר֣וּץ וּמִפָּ֑ז וּ֝תְבוּאָתִ֗י מִכֶּ֥סֶף נִבְחָֽר׃
7 of the 7 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 Proverbs 8:19
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.
טוֹב (tov) is a Hebrew word meaning good or pleasant, encompassing a wide range of meanings from agreeable to the senses to ethical goodness. It can function as an adjective, noun, or adverb, referring to things like welfare, happiness, and prosperity. The feminine form, טוֹבָה (tovah), specifically denotes welfare or good things.
טוֹב adj. pleasant, agreeable, good
pleasant, agreeable to the senses
pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
good, excellent, of its kind
good, rich, valuable in estimation
good, appropriate, becoming
c. מִן compar. = better
of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
good, kind, benign
good (ethical), right
base
טוֹב n.m. a good thing, benefit, welfare
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
good = benefit
moral good
base
טוֹבָה n.f. welfare, benefit, good things, good
welfare, prosperity, happiness
good things
bounty, good
base
H2896a טוֹב pleasant, agreeable, good . pleasant, agreeable to the senses
. pleasant to the higher nature, giving pleasure, happiness, prosperity, and so agreeable, pleasing, well
. good, excellent, of its kind
. good, rich, valuable in estimation
. good, appropriate, becoming
. c. מִן compar. =better
. of man's sensuous nature, glad, happy, prosperous
. of man's intellectual nature, good understanding
. good, kind, benign
. good (ethical), right
H2896b טוֹב a good thing, benefit, welfare H2896c טוֹבָה welfare, benefit, good things, good
2896 towb tobe
from 2895; good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used
likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine,
the singular and the plural (good, a good or good thing, a
good man or woman; the good, goods or good things, good men or
women), also as an adverb (well):--beautiful, best, better,
bountiful, cheerful, at ease, X fair (word), (be in) favour,
fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s),
graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving,
merry, X most, pleasant, + pleaseth, pleasure, precious,
prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well
((-favoured)).
see HEBREW for 02895
טוֹב (tov) — pleasant.
adj
1) good, pleasant, agreeable
1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses)
1b) pleasant (to the higher nature)
1c) good, excellent (of its kind)
1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation
1e) good, appropriate, becoming
1f) better (comparative)
1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature)
1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature)
1i) good, kind, benign
1j) good, right (ethical)
Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
טוֹב (tov) — good.
1) a good thing, benefit, welfare
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) good, benefit
1d) moral good
טוֹבָה (to.vah) — welfare.
1) welfare, benefit, good things
1a) welfare, prosperity, happiness
1b) good things (collective)
1c) bounty
Adj — AdjHAamsa
good (Tobh, Tubh, yaTabh; agathos, agathon, kalos, kalon): In English "good" is used in various senses, most of which are represented in the Bible.
(1) In the Old Testament the commonest word is Tobh, occurring very frequently and translated in a great variety of ways. Of the different shades of meaning, which frequently run into each other, the following may be distinguished:
(a) Possessing desirable qualities, beneficial, agreeable, e.g. "good for food" (Ge 2:9); "We will do thee good" (Nu 10:29); Who will show us any good?" (Ps 4:6); "good tidings of good" (Isa 52:7).
פְּרִי (priy) means 'fruit' and encompasses various meanings, including the literal fruit of the ground, offspring or children, and figurative fruit representing the consequences of actions. It is derived from a root that emphasizes the concept of produce or reward.
פְּרִי 119 n.m. fruit
fruit of the ground, of produce in gen.
= offspring, fruit of womb
fig. of fruit of actions, i.e. their consequences
base
H6529 פְּרִי fruit . fruit of the ground, of produce in gen.
. = offspring, fruit of womb
. fig. of fruit of actions, i.e. their consequences
6529 priy per-ee'
from 6509; fruit (literally or figuratively):--bough,
((first-)) fruit((-ful)), reward.
see HEBREW for 06509
פְּרִי (pe.ri) — fruit.
1) fruit
1a) fruit, produce (of the ground)
1b) fruit, offspring, children, progeny (of the womb)
1c) fruit (of actions) (fig.)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
The Hebrew word חָרוּץ (*charuwts*) is derived from a root meaning to incise or be incisive. It encompasses a range of meanings including sharp, diligent, strict decision, trench, and gold, with specific references in the Old Testament such as in Job 4:14 and Daniel 9:25. The lexicons agree on these meanings without significant disagreement.
חָרוּץ adj. sharp, diligent
base
חָרוּץ n.[m.] strict decision, only Jo 4:14, 14
ref
חָרוּץ n.[m.] trench, moat—only in Dn 9:25
ref
חָרוּץ n.m. gold, poet.
base
H2742a חָרוּץ sharp, diligent H2742b חָרוּץ strict decision H2742c חָרוּץ trench, moat H2742d חָרוּץ gold poet.
2742 charuwts khaw-roots'
or charuts {khaw-roots'}; passive participle of 2782;
properly, incised or (active) incisive; hence (as noun
masculine or feminine) a trench (as dug), gold (as mined), a
threshing-sledge (having sharp teeth); (figuratively)
determination; also eager:--decision, diligent, (fine) gold,
pointed things, sharp, threshing instrument, wall.
see HEBREW for 02782
חָרוּץ (cha.ruts) — sharp.
adj
sharp-pointed, sharp, diligent
חָרוּץ (cha.ruts) — decision.
strict decision, decision
חָרוּץ (cha.ruts) — trench.
trench, moat, ditch
חָרוּץ (cha.ruts) — gold.
gold (poetical)
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
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…
פָּז (paz) refers to refined or pure gold. It is derived from a related root and specifically denotes gold that has been purified. The entries consistently emphasize its meaning as fine or pure gold, with no notable disagreements among the lexicons.
פַּז n.m. refined, pure gold
base
H6337 פָּז refined, pure gold
6337 paz pawz
from 6338; pure (gold); hence, gold itself (as
refined):--fine (pure) gold.
see HEBREW for 06338
פַּז (paz) — pure gold.
refined or pure gold
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/R/Ncmsa
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…
תְּבוּאָה (tbuw'ah) refers to produce or revenue, typically from the earth, including crops and income. It can also figuratively denote gains, such as wisdom or the product of lips. The word is derived from a root meaning to bring forth, and its usage spans both literal and figurative contexts.
תְּבוּאָה n.f. proventus, product, revenue
product, yield, usually of earth
income, revenue, in general
fig. gain of wisdom
base
H8393 תְּבוּאָה proventus, product, revenue
8393 tbuw'ah teb-oo-aw'
from 935; income, i.e. produce (literally or
figuratively):--fruit, gain, increase, revenue.
see HEBREW for 0935
תְּבוּאָה (te.vu.ah) — produce.
1) produce, product, revenue
1a) product, yield, crops (of the earth usually)
1b) income, revenue
1c) gain (of wisdom) (fig)
1d) product of lips (fig)
Conj | N-fs | Suff — Conjunction · noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHC/Ncfsc/Sp1bs
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
Prep | N-ms — Preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHR/Ncmsa
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.
בָּחַר (bachar) is a Hebrew verb meaning to choose or select. It encompasses actions like examining and trying, indicating both divine and human choices. The word can appear in various forms, such as being chosen or selected. It is used in contexts of making decisions, often with specific prepositions indicating the nature of the choice.
בָּחַר vb. choose
Qal
with בְּ,
divine choice
man’s choice
with אֲשֶׁר:
divine choice
man’s choice
with acc. & לְ, choose some one or something for
with acc. and מִן, choose, select from
acc.
divine choice
man’s choice
with עַל, for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction
with לְ of acc. chosen
test, try
Niph. to be chosen
Pu. chosen, selected
base
H977 בָּחַר examine, try .. examine, scrutinize, try
. prove, test, try
. to be tried, proved
. the trial has been made
977 bachar baw-khar'
a primitive root; properly, to try, i.e. (by implication)
select:--acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent,
join, be rather, require.
בָּחַר (ba.char) — to choose.
1) to choose, elect, decide for
1a) (Qal) to choose
1b) (Niphal) to be chosen
1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
V-Niphal — Verb · Niphal · participle (active) masculine singularHVNrmsa
cho'-z'-n.
See CHOOSE.
Chosen
Spoken of warriors (Ex. 15:4; Judg. 20:16), of the Hebrew nation (Ps. 105:43; Deut. 7:7), of Jerusalem as the seat of the temple (1 Kings 11:13). Christ is the “chosen” of God (Isa. 42:1); and the apostles are “chosen” for their work (Acts 10:41). It is said with regard to those who do not profit by their opportunities that “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 20:16). (See ELECTION.)