(Aramaic) corresponding to כֶּסֶף; {silver (from its pale color); by implication, money}; money, silver.
Transliteration:kᵉçaph
Pronunciation:kes-af'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic lemma כְּסַף (transliterated *kᵉçaph*, Strong's `{{H3702}}`) carries the primary meaning of "silver." This designation stems from the metal's characteristic pale or whitish luster. By extension and common ancient Near Eastern practice, כְּסַף also denotes "money," as silver was the predominant medium of exchange and a standard measure of wealth. It is the direct Aramaic cognate and semantic equivalent of the more frequently occurring Hebrew term `{{H3701}}` (כֶּסֶף, *kesep*), reinforcing its core understanding as both the precious metal and its function as currency.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic word, `{{H3702}}` appears exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. Its usage consistently reflects its dual meaning of the metal itself and its role as a valuable commodity or currency.
In Ezra, `{{H3702}}` is found in the context of the Persian king Artaxerxes' decree concerning the restoration of the temple in Jerusalem:
* [[Ezra 7:16]]: "all the silver and gold that you may find in the whole province of Babylonia, with the freewill offerings of the people and the priests, which they offer willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem." Here, כְּסַף refers to the physical precious metal designated for the temple's needs.
* [[Ezra 7:18]]: "Whatever seems good to you and your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and gold, you may do, according to the will of your God." Again, the term denotes the precious metal remaining after specific allocations, to be used for God's purposes.
In Daniel, `{{H3702}}` appears in two distinct contexts:
* [[Daniel 2:32]]: In Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the great statue, the second kingdom is described as "its chest and arms of silver." This is a literal description of the metal, symbolically representing the Medo-Persian Empire, which succeeded the Babylonian (gold) empire. The choice of silver implies a kingdom of great wealth and power, though inferior to the preceding one.
* [[Daniel 5:23]]: During Belshazzar's sacrilegious feast, Daniel rebukes the king for praising "the gods of silver and gold, of bronze, iron, wood, and stone, which neither see nor hear nor know." Here, כְּסַף refers to silver as a material used in the construction of idols, highlighting the futility and blasphemy of worshiping inanimate objects made by human hands, in stark contrast to the living God.
Across these occurrences, `{{H3702}}` functions either as a literal descriptor of a valuable metal, a representation of wealth and political power, or a constituent material of false gods.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew `{{H3701}}` (כֶּסֶף, *kesep*), which is semantically identical and far more prevalent in the Hebrew Bible. The Aramaic `{{H3702}}` essentially carries the same theological and practical weight as its Hebrew counterpart.
Other related concepts and words include:
* `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, *zahab*): "Gold," frequently paired with silver as a measure of ultimate wealth and preciousness (e.g., [[Ezra 7:16]], [[Daniel 2:32]], [[Daniel 5:23]]).
* **Wealth and Riches:** Silver inherently symbolizes material prosperity and economic power in the ancient world.
* **Commerce and Exchange:** As "money," silver was the primary medium for transactions.
* **Idolatry:** The use of silver as a material for idols ([[Daniel 5:23]]) links it to the pervasive biblical theme of false worship and the vanity of created gods.
* **Purity and Refinement:** While not explicitly tied to `{{H3702}}` in its Aramaic occurrences, the broader biblical concept of silver being refined by fire (e.g., [[Psalm 12:6]], [[Proverbs 25:4]]) often serves as a metaphor for divine purification and testing.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of כְּסַף `{{H3702}}` is interwoven with its various contexts:
* **Divine Provision and Temple Worship:** In Ezra, the availability of "silver" for the temple's restoration demonstrates God's sovereign hand in providing resources for His people and His house. It underscores that even worldly wealth can be consecrated for sacred purposes, facilitating worship and the fulfillment of divine decrees.
* **Transient Nature of Earthly Kingdoms:** In Daniel's vision, the "silver" chest and arms of the statue represent the Medo-Persian Empire. This imagery highlights the succession of human empires, each powerful and wealthy, yet ultimately temporary and destined to be superseded by another, until God establishes His eternal kingdom ([[Daniel 2:44]]). Silver, while precious, is inferior to gold, signifying a decline in glory, yet still a significant, albeit earthly, power.
* **The Futility of Idolatry:** The condemnation of Belshazzar for praising "gods of silver" ([[Daniel 5:23]]) serves as a potent theological statement against idolatry. It emphasizes that material wealth, when fashioned into objects of worship, becomes a source of spiritual blindness and moral depravity. These gods are mute, blind, and lifeless, utterly powerless in contrast to the living, all-seeing, and all-knowing God of Israel. This narrative underscores the absolute sovereignty of Yahweh over all human constructs and false deities.
* **Value and Human Responsibility:** The presence of silver in biblical narratives, whether as wealth or as material for idols, implicitly raises questions about human stewardship and the proper orientation of value. Is wealth to be hoarded, used for self-indulgence, or consecrated to God's purposes? The narratives involving `{{H3702}}` subtly contribute to this larger biblical discourse on the use and misuse of material blessings.
### Summary
כְּסַף (`{{H3702}}`) is the Aramaic term for "silver" and, by extension, "money." Found in the Aramaic sections of Ezra and Daniel, its usage is consistent with its core meaning as a precious metal and a medium of exchange. Contextually, it appears as resources for temple rebuilding ([[Ezra 7:16]], [[Ezra 7:18]]), a symbolic representation of earthly empires in prophetic vision ([[Daniel 2:32]]), and a material used in the construction of idols ([[Daniel 5:23]]). Theologically, `{{H3702}}` contributes to themes of divine provision, the transient nature of human power, and the profound futility and blasphemy of idolatry, consistently contrasting the created with the Creator. It functions as the direct Aramaic equivalent of the more common Hebrew term `{{H3701}}`.
TRV