from כָּתַם; properly, something carved out, i.e. ore; hence, gold (pure as originally mined); ((most) fine, pure) gold(-en wedge).
Transliteration:kethem
Pronunciation:keh'-them
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H3800 (כֶּתֶם, *kethem*) derives from the root `{{H3799}}` (כָּתַם, *katam*), which carries the sense of "to carve out" or "to engrave." This etymological root provides insight into the primary meaning of *kethem* as "something carved out," specifically referring to gold in its raw, unrefined state, or as ore. From this foundational meaning, it extends to denote gold of the highest quality, emphasizing its purity and intrinsic value as it would be found in its natural, mined form. The semantic range of *kethem* thus encompasses "most fine gold," "pure gold," and even "golden wedge," always conveying an exceptional standard of preciousness and unadulterated quality, distinguishing it from general terms for gold.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H3800 (כֶּתֶם, *kethem*) appears in several poetic and wisdom texts, consistently emphasizing supreme value and purity:
* **Job 28:16**: "It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, in precious onyx or sapphire." Here, wisdom's worth is declared to be far beyond even kethem from Ophir, a legendary source of the finest gold. The comparison underscores wisdom's inestimable value.
* **Job 28:19**: "The topaz of Ethiopia cannot equal it, nor can it be valued in pure gold." Similar to the previous verse, this passage reiterates the incomparable nature of wisdom, placing it above the most precious gems and kethem.
* **Job 31:24**: "If I have made gold my trust, or called fine gold my confidence..." Job here reflects on potential idolatry, where *kethem* represents the ultimate material security that one might mistakenly place their faith in, rather than God.
* **Psalm 45:9**: "Daughters of kings are among your honorable women; at your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir." In this royal psalm, kethem from Ophir adorns the queen, symbolizing unparalleled majesty, wealth, and beauty befitting a royal consort.
* **Proverbs 25:12**: "Like a gold ring or an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear." Here, *kethem* is used metaphorically to describe the beauty and value of timely, wise counsel, likening it to a precious and beautiful adornment.
* **Isaiah 13:12**: "I will make people scarcer than fine gold, and mankind scarcer than the gold of Ophir." In this prophetic judgment against Babylon, the scarcity of human life is hyperbolically compared to the extreme rarity of kethem from Ophir, emphasizing the devastating extent of divine wrath.
* **Daniel 10:5**: "Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose waist was girded with gold of Uphaz." The divine figure in Daniel's vision is adorned with kethem from Uphaz, signifying his immense glory, purity, and divine authority.
Across these contexts, kethem consistently denotes gold of the highest purity and value, often associated with legendary sources (Ophir, Uphaz) to amplify its preciousness. It serves as a benchmark for comparison, frequently highlighting the superior worth of wisdom, spiritual understanding, or divine favor over material riches.
### Related Words & Concepts
H3800 (*kethem*) exists within a rich lexical field of terms for gold and precious materials in the Hebrew Bible, each carrying nuanced connotations:
* **`{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, *zahab*)**: This is the most common and general term for "gold." While *zahab* can refer to gold of any quality, *kethem* specifically emphasizes its pure, unadulterated state, often as it is found in the earth.
* **`{{H6337}}` (פָּז, *paz*)**: Meaning "refined gold" or "pure gold," *paz* is very similar to *kethem* in its emphasis on purity. Often, these terms are used interchangeably or in parallel to underscore the highest quality.
* **`{{H2742}}` (חָרוּץ, *charuts*)**: This term can also mean "gold," particularly gold that has been dug or cut, echoing the "carved out" nuance of *kethem*'s root. It can also refer to something sharply pointed or diligent, reflecting the labor involved in its extraction.
* **`{{H8474}}` (תּוּפָז, *tupaz*)**: While often translated as "topaz," this gem is frequently mentioned alongside kethem (e.g., Job 28:19) as a benchmark of extreme value.
Conceptually, *kethem* is linked to:
* **Wealth and Riches**: It represents the pinnacle of material prosperity and value in the ancient world.
* **Purity and Refinement**: Its primary connotation is unblemished, high-quality gold, often as it appears in its natural state.
* **Wisdom and Understanding**: Repeatedly, the Bible uses *kethem* as a comparative standard to elevate the value of divine wisdom, understanding, and righteousness above all earthly treasures.
* **Idolatry**: As seen in Job 31:24, the allure of *kethem* can lead to misplaced trust and the worship of created things rather than the Creator.
* **Divine Glory and Judgment**: It can symbolize the splendor of divine beings (Daniel 10:5) or be used in descriptions of severe judgment where human life becomes rarer than the most precious gold (Isaiah 13:12).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H3800 (*kethem*) lies primarily in its role as a supreme standard of earthly value, which is then consistently subordinated to spiritual truths.
Firstly, *kethem* highlights the **incomparable worth of divine wisdom and knowledge**. The book of Job, in particular, employs *kethem* from Ophir as the ultimate material benchmark, only to declare that wisdom's value far surpasses it (Job 28:16, 19). This teaches that true riches are not found in material possessions, no matter how pure or precious, but in understanding God's ways and His creation. Proverbs 25:12 further reinforces this by likening wise counsel to an ornament of *kethem*, elevating the spiritual over the purely material.
Secondly, *kethem* serves as a powerful warning against **idolatry and misplaced trust**. Job's poignant reflection in Job 31:24 reveals the temptation to make kethem (or any form of wealth) one's confidence, thereby replacing God as the ultimate source of security and hope. This underscores a foundational biblical principle: true security and lasting joy are found only in God, not in fleeting earthly treasures.
Thirdly, its use in descriptions of **royal and divine splendor** (Psalm 45:9, Daniel 10:5) indicates that kethem can symbolize the beauty, glory, and majesty associated with God's kingdom and His divine presence. While earthly *kethem* is finite, it points to a divine realm characterized by ultimate purity and glory.
Finally, in contexts of **divine judgment** (Isaiah 13:12), the extreme scarcity of kethem is used metaphorically to depict the devastating extent of God's wrath, where human life becomes more precious and rare than the most sought-after gold. This illustrates the severity of divine justice and the ultimate control God exercises over all things, including the value of life itself.
### Summary
H3800 (*kethem*) is a nuanced Hebrew term denoting gold of the highest, purest quality, often implying its natural, unrefined state. Derived from a root meaning "to carve out," it frequently refers to gold from renowned sources like Ophir or Uphaz, underscoring its exceptional value. Biblically, kethem serves multiple significant functions: it acts as the ultimate standard by which the far greater value of divine wisdom, understanding, and righteousness is measured; it warns against the idolatry of placing trust in material wealth; and it symbolizes both human royalty and divine glory. Ultimately, while representing the pinnacle of earthly treasure, *kethem* consistently points beyond itself, directing the reader's gaze towards the incomparably superior and eternal realities of God's character, wisdom, and sovereign power.
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