כּוּמָז

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.