(1.) Hebrews zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Exodus 25:11; 1 Chronicles 28:18; 2 Chronicles 3:5).
(2.) Hebrews segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or "fine gold" (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).
(3.) Hebrews paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Psalm 19:10; 21:3, etc.).
(4.) Hebrews betzer, "ore of gold or silver" as dug out of the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches).
(5.) Hebrews kethem, i.e., something concealed or separated (Job 28:16, 19; Psalm 45:9; Proverbs 25:12). Rendered "golden wedge" in Isaiah 13:12.
(6.) Hebrews haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (Proverbs 8:10; 16:16; Zechariah 9:3).
Gold was known from the earliest times (Genesis 2:11). It was principally used for ornaments (Genesis 24:22). It was very abundant (1 Chronicles 22:14; Nahum 2:9; Dan. 3:1). Many tons of it were used in connection with the temple (2 Chronicles 1:15). It was found in Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir (1 Kings 9:28; 10:1; Job 28:16), but not in Palestine.
In Dan. 2:38, the Babylonian Empire is spoken of as a "head of gold" because of its great riches; and Babylon was called by Isaiah (14:4) the "golden city" (R.V. marg., "exactress, " adopting the reading marhebah, instead of the usual word madhebah).
