### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H1222}}` (בְּצַר, bᵉtsar) is identified as an alternate form of `{{H1220}}` (בֶּצֶר, betser). Both terms carry the core meaning of "gold." While `{{H1220}}` might imply gold in its raw or mined state, or perhaps as nuggets (derived from a root meaning "to cut off" or "to fortify," possibly referring to the cutting of ore or the strength of a fortress), `{{H1222}}` retains this fundamental sense of a precious metal. Its semantic range is thus confined to "gold," specifically emphasizing its value and perhaps its refined quality, as suggested by its single biblical occurrence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H1222}}` (בְּצַר) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Job:
* [[Job 22:24]]: "Then you will lay aside your gold (בְּצַר) as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the torrent-bed."
In this passage, Eliphaz the Temanite is speaking to Job, urging him to repent and return to God. His counsel includes a promise of restored prosperity and wisdom if Job humbles himself before the Almighty. The "gold" (בְּצַר) mentioned here is presented as something that Job would willingly discard, treating it as insignificant "dust," if he were to truly embrace God. This is powerfully paralleled with "the gold of Ophir" (כֶּתֶם אוֹפִיר), renowned for its supreme quality and abundance (cf. [[1 Kings 9:28]], [[1 Kings 10:11]]). The juxtaposition of these two terms for gold, both signifying immense material value, underscores the radical reorientation of priorities Eliphaz advocates: earthly wealth, no matter how precious, becomes worthless in comparison to the divine favor and spiritual riches found in God. The context is one of challenging Job's perceived self-sufficiency and inviting him to find his ultimate treasure in the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is `{{H1220}}` (בֶּצֶר, betser), from which `{{H1222}}` is an alternative form, sharing the meaning of "gold." Beyond this, several other Hebrew terms denote "gold" and contribute to a broader understanding of the metal's significance in the biblical worldview:
* `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, zahav): This is the most common and general term for gold, used broadly to describe the metal in various forms, from ornaments to temple furnishings.
* `{{H3800}}` (כֶּתֶם, ketem): Often translated as "fine gold" or "pure gold," this term frequently appears in poetic and wisdom literature, emphasizing the highest quality and value of gold, as seen in its parallelism with `{{H1222}}` in [[Job 22:24]].
* `{{H6032}}` (עוּפָז, uphaz): Another term for gold, likely referring to gold from a specific, high-quality source, similar to Ophir (cf. [[Daniel 10:5]]).
Conceptually, `{{H1222}}` is intertwined with themes of wealth, treasure, earthly possessions, and their transient nature. It stands in contrast to spiritual riches, divine provision, and the ultimate value of a relationship with God.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of `{{H1222}}` in [[Job 22:24]] carries profound theological weight. In Eliphaz's exhortation, "gold" (בְּצַר) represents the pinnacle of human material aspiration and security. The call to "lay aside your gold as dust" is a radical summons to divest oneself of reliance on earthly wealth and to re-evaluate one's source of security and satisfaction. It suggests that true prosperity and enduring peace are not found in accumulated riches, but in a right relationship with the Almighty.
This verse, employing `{{H1222}}`, serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical emphasis on the ephemeral nature of material possessions versus the eternal value of divine favor. It underscores the theological principle that attachment to worldly wealth can be an impediment to true faith and spiritual flourishing. While Eliphaz's counsel to Job is part of a complex and not entirely infallible discourse, this particular statement resonates with broader biblical wisdom literature that frequently contrasts the fleeting nature of human wealth with the enduring steadfastness of God's provision and blessing (e.g., [[Proverbs 11:28]], [[Matthew 6:19-21]]). The passage implicitly challenges the human tendency to find ultimate worth or security in created things rather than in the Creator.
### Summary
`{{H1222}}` (בְּצַר, bᵉtsar) is an alternate form of `{{H1220}}` (בֶּצֶר), meaning "gold." Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[Job 22:24]], where it refers to valuable gold that Job is encouraged to regard as mere "dust" in light of a renewed relationship with God. This usage, paralleled with "gold of Ophir," highlights the preciousness of the metal while simultaneously diminishing its ultimate value when compared to divine favor. Theologically, `{{H1222}}` in this context serves as a potent symbol of the transient nature of earthly wealth and a call to prioritize spiritual riches and trust in God above all material possessions.
TRV