apparently from the same as דְּרוֹר; properly, a pearl (from its sheen as rapidly turned); by analogy, pearl-stone, i.e. mother-of-pearl or alabaster; [idiom] white.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **dar**, represented by `{{H1858}}`, refers to a **pearl**, **pearl-stone**, or **alabaster**. It appears just 1 time in 1 verse in the Bible. The term is associated with the color **white**, likely due to the sheen of a pearl or the color of alabaster.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{H1858}}` is found in the description of the opulent court of the Persian king in the book of Esther. It is listed as one of the materials in a magnificent **pavement** `{{H7531}}`. The verse details a floor made of "red `{{H923}}`, and blue `{{H8504}}`, and **white** `{{H1858}}`, and black `{{H5508}}`, marble `{{H8336}}`" [[Esther 1:6]]. This context places the word firmly in a setting of immense royal wealth and elaborate decoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from the passage help illustrate the luxurious context:
* `{{H7531}}` **ritspâh** (pavement): This is the object that `{{H1858}}` is part of. It refers to a tessellated pavement, establishing the setting as a decorated floor [[Esther 1:6]]. In another context, the children of Israel worshipped upon a **pavement** [[2 Chronicles 7:3]].
* `{{H8336}}` **shêsh** (marble): This word is used in conjunction with `{{H1858}}` to describe the pavement materials. It can refer to **marble** or fine linen, highlighting valuable and refined goods [[Esther 1:6]].
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): The beds in the same setting were made of **gold** and silver, further emphasizing the extreme wealth. The value of **gold** is a recurring theme, often used as a measure of blessing or a test of character [[Job 23:10]].
* `{{H923}}` **bahaṭ** (red marble): This term, translated as **red (marble)**, is another component of the colorful pavement, showing the variety and expense of the materials used in the royal court [[Esther 1:6]].
### Theological Significance
While not a primary theological term, the context of `{{H1858}}` touches upon related themes:
* **Display of Worldly Splendor:** The use of `{{H1858}}` is part of a detailed inventory of luxurious goods designed to display the vast wealth and power of a human king [[Esther 1:6]].
* **Beauty of Created Materials:** The passage lists numerous precious materials, including **gold** `{{H2091}}`, **silver** `{{H3701}}`, and various colored stones. This showcases the beauty found in materials from the created world, even when used for human extravagance.
* **The Limitation of Earthly Treasures:** The scene in Esther is filled with silver `{{H3701}}` and gold `{{H2091}}`, yet other scriptures remind that such material wealth is ultimately unable to deliver a person from the Lord's wrath [[Zephaniah 1:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1858}}` is a specific and rare word used to denote a **white** precious material, likely a type of pearl or stone like alabaster. Its sole biblical appearance is to help paint a picture of extraordinary human wealth and luxury in the court of a Persian king. While its direct theological application is limited, its context provides a powerful illustration of earthly splendor, which stands in contrast to themes of true, lasting value found elsewhere in scripture.
TRV