### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kûwmâz**, represented by `{{H3558}}`, refers to a type of **jewel** or **tablet**. It appears only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is derived from an unused root meaning to store away, which suggests it was a valuable item kept for its preciousness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H3558}}` is confined to two significant offerings to the LORD. In the first instance, it is listed among the "jewels of gold" brought by willing-hearted men and women as a contribution for the tabernacle [[Exodus 35:22]]. Later, it appears among the spoils of war that were brought as an oblation "to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD" [[Numbers 31:50]]. In both contexts, it is an article of gold dedicated to a sacred purpose.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other terms for ornaments and valuable items appear alongside **kûwmâz**, providing a richer picture of the offerings:
* `{{H2397}}` **châch** (bracelet, chain, hook): Listed as **bracelets** in the tabernacle offering [[Exodus 35:22]], this word is also used to describe a **hook** placed in the nose or jaws as a sign of divine judgment and control [[2 Kings 19:28]].
* `{{H2885}}` **ṭabbaʻath** (ring): In addition to being an offered item, this word can denote a ring of authority, such as the signet **ring** Pharaoh took from his own hand and gave to Joseph [[Genesis 41:42]].
* `{{H3627}}` **kᵉlîy** (jewel, vessel, weapon): This general term, translated as **jewels** in the offering context [[Exodus 35:22]], can refer to any prepared apparatus, including the sacred **vessels** of the LORD [[Isaiah 52:11]] or **weapons** of war [[Jeremiah 51:20]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3558}}` is derived entirely from the contexts in which it is offered.
* **Willing Contribution:** The inclusion of **tablets** in the freewill offerings for the tabernacle highlights the people's generosity and the devotion of personal treasures to the construction of a place for God's presence [[Exodus 35:22]].
* **Atonement through Valuables:** In its second occurrence, the offering of **tablets** and other gold items is explicitly purposed "to make an atonement for our souls," linking material wealth taken as spoil to a need for spiritual reconciliation [[Numbers 31:50]].
* **Sanctification of Wealth:** In both narratives, **kûwmâz** is part of a collection of gold items surrendered to the LORD. This demonstrates the principle of consecrating personal and captured wealth for holy use.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3558}}` is a specific term for a valuable ornament whose importance is understood through its function in scripture. Though appearing only twice, it is consistently presented as a precious gold item willingly surrendered for a sacred purpose. The word **kûwmâz** illustrates how personal treasures could be transformed into holy offerings, used to build the tabernacle and to secure atonement before the LORD.
TRV