(Aramaic) corresponding to זָהָב; gold; gold(-en).
Transliteration:dᵉhab
Pronunciation:deh-hab'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H1722}}` (דְּהַב, *dᵉhab*) carries the primary meaning of "gold" or "golden." As explicitly noted in its base definition, it serves as the Aramaic equivalent to the more frequently occurring Hebrew word `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, *zahab*), which also signifies "gold." Its semantic range is quite focused, referring to the precious metal itself, or by extension, objects made of gold, or possessing a golden quality. Unlike some words with broad metaphorical applications, `{{H1722}}` largely retains its literal meaning as a material substance, though its *contextual* usage imbues it with significant symbolic weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H1722}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Daniel and Ezra. Its occurrences provide rich insights into its various connotations:
* **Daniel 2:32**: In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, the great image has a "head of fine gold." Here, `{{H1722}}` symbolizes the supreme power, glory, and wealth of the Babylonian Empire, yet it is part of a transient earthly kingdom destined to be superseded by others of lesser metals, ultimately crushed by God's eternal kingdom.
* **Daniel 3:1**: King Nebuchadnezzar constructs an immense "image of gold," demanding universal worship. This context highlights `{{H1722}}` as a symbol of human pride, idolatry, and the usurpation of divine authority. The golden image represents a direct challenge to the worship of the one true God.
* **Daniel 5:2-4, 23**: During Belshazzar's feast, vessels "of gold" (and silver) taken from the Jerusalem temple are sacrilegiously used for common revelry and the praise of pagan gods. Here, `{{H1722}}` underscores the concept of profanation and the severe consequences of dishonoring that which is consecrated to God. The gold, once holy, becomes defiled by its misuse.
* **Ezra 7:15-16**: King Artaxerxes issues a decree providing "silver and gold" from the royal treasury and from the province of Babylon for the service of the house of God in Jerusalem. In this context, `{{H1722}}` represents resources generously provided, even by a pagan king, for the rebuilding and beautification of the Temple. This stands in stark contrast to the misuse of gold in Daniel, demonstrating God's sovereign hand in providing for His people and His worship.
Across these occurrences, `{{H1722}}` consistently denotes something of high value, but its moral and theological implications vary dramatically based on its application—whether for human glorification and rebellion, or for divine purposes and worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, *zahab*), which carries the same core meaning of "gold" and appears thousands of times throughout the Hebrew Bible. The extensive usage of `{{H2091}}` provides a broader theological backdrop for understanding `{{H1722}}`. Both words are frequently associated with:
* **Precious Metals:** Often mentioned alongside "silver" (Aramaic `{{H3701}}` כְּסַף, Hebrew `{{H3701}}` כֶּסֶף), indicating wealth, value, and sometimes purity.
* **Wealth and Riches:** Gold is a primary indicator of material prosperity and status (e.g., Solomon's wealth).
* **Craftsmanship and Artistry:** Gold is a material used by skilled artisans for intricate work, whether for idols or sacred objects (e.g., the Tabernacle and Temple furnishings).
* **Idolatry:** The "golden calf" (`{{H2091}}`) in Exodus is a prime example of gold being fashioned into an object of false worship, a theme echoed by Nebuchadnezzar's golden image (`{{H1722}}`).
* **Holiness and Consecration:** In the Tabernacle and Temple, gold (`{{H2091}}`) was extensively used for sacred vessels, altars, and the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing divine glory, purity, and the preciousness of God's presence. While `{{H1722}}` itself doesn't describe these specific items, its use in Ezra for temple offerings directly aligns with this concept of consecration.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of `{{H1722}}` offer profound theological insights:
* **The Transience of Earthly Glory:** The "head of gold" in Daniel's vision ([[Daniel 2:32]]) powerfully illustrates that even the most glorious and powerful human empires are ultimately fleeting and subject to God's sovereign plan. Gold, though precious, is still part of a temporary, decaying world order.
* **The Peril of Idolatry and Human Hubris:** Nebuchadnezzar's golden image ([[Daniel 3:1]]) serves as a stark warning against human attempts to establish ultimate authority and demand worship for created things or for oneself. It highlights the sin of idolatry, where the creature usurps the Creator's rightful place.
* **The Sanctity of God's Possessions:** Belshazzar's desecration of the golden vessels from the Temple ([[Daniel 5:2-4]]) underscores the absolute sanctity of objects dedicated to God. To misuse or profane what is holy is a grave offense, demonstrating contempt for God Himself, leading to divine judgment.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** The provision of "gold" from a pagan king ([[Ezra 7:15-16]]) for the rebuilding of God's house in Jerusalem demonstrates God's overarching sovereignty. He can move the hearts of kings, even those who do not know Him, to provide for His people and the advancement of His kingdom purposes. This highlights that all resources, even the most valuable, ultimately belong to God and can be directed by His will.
### Summary
`{{H1722}}` (דְּהַב, *dᵉhab*) is the Aramaic term for "gold," directly paralleling the Hebrew `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב). Its limited but significant occurrences in Daniel and Ezra reveal its dual nature in biblical thought. On one hand, gold symbolizes the pinnacle of earthly power, wealth, and human achievement, often leading to idolatry, pride, and sacrilege, as seen in Nebuchadnezzar's image and Belshazzar's feast. These narratives serve as powerful warnings against misplaced worship and the profanation of the sacred. On the other hand, `{{H1722}}` also represents a valuable resource, divinely provided and consecrated for the service and glory of God, as exemplified by the offerings for the Temple in Ezra. Ultimately, the study of `{{H1722}}` reinforces the biblical truth that the inherent value of a substance like gold is secondary to its intended use and the heart of its possessor, serving either as a tool for rebellion against God or as a means for His worship and the advancement of His divine purposes.
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