from סָגַר; properly, shut up, i.e. the breast (as enclosing the heart); also gold (as generally shut up safely); caul, gold.
Transliteration:çᵉgôwr
Pronunciation:seg-ore'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun סְגוֹר (çᵉgôwr), Strong's `{{H5458}}`, originates from the verb סָגַר (sâgar, `{{H5462}}`), meaning "to shut, close, or bar." This etymological foundation is key to understanding its semantic range. Fundamentally, סְגוֹר conveys the idea of something "shut up" or "enclosed." While the base definition suggests applications to anatomical parts (like the "breast" or "caul" as enclosed organs), its actual biblical usage is singularly focused on a specific type of material: "gold." In this context, "shut up" implies a gold that is sealed in its purity, unadulterated, and therefore exceptionally valuable and often kept securely. Thus, סְגוֹר denotes gold of the highest quality, fine gold, or pure gold, emphasizing its refined state and intrinsic worth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סְגוֹר (çᵉgôwr) appears 9 times in the Masoretic Text, exclusively in reference to "gold," consistently denoting a high quality or purity.
* **Temple and Palace Furnishings:** The majority of occurrences are found in the accounts of Solomon's Temple and palace construction, highlighting the immense value and sacredness of the materials used.
* In [[1 Kings 6:20]] and [[1 Kings 6:21]], the inner sanctuary (debir) and the entire interior of the Temple are described as being overlaid with "pure gold" (זָהָב סָגוּר). This emphasizes the unparalleled sanctity and glory of God's dwelling place.
* Similarly, the lampstands, their components, and various vessels within the Temple are specified as being made of "pure gold" in [[1 Kings 7:49]], [[1 Kings 7:50]], [[2 Chronicles 4:20]], and [[2 Chronicles 4:21]]. This detail underscores the divine standard of excellence and the dedication of the most precious materials for divine service.
* Solomon's personal wealth and the opulence of his palace are also described with this term. His drinking vessels and the furnishings of the House of the Forest of Lebanon are noted as being of "pure gold" in [[1 Kings 10:21]] and [[2 Chronicles 9:20]], illustrating the unparalleled prosperity and luxury of his reign, where silver was considered of little account.
* **Wisdom Literature:**
* In [[Job 28:15]], wisdom is declared to be beyond the price of "fine gold" (כֶּתֶם סָגוֹר). This poetic declaration elevates wisdom above even the most coveted and valuable earthly possessions, emphasizing its inestimable and transcendent worth. The combination of כֶּתֶם (ketem, `{{H3800}}`, "gold, pure gold") with סָגוֹר further intensifies the description of gold's ultimate purity and value, serving as a benchmark against which wisdom's superior worth is measured.
Across all contexts, סְגוֹר when applied to gold consistently signifies a refined, unadulterated, and supremely valuable quality. It is gold that is "shut up" or "sealed" in its purity, untainted by alloy or commonness.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **Root Verb:** The most direct relation is to the verb סָגַר (sâgar, `{{H5462}}`), meaning "to shut, close, or bar." This semantic connection informs the understanding of סְגוֹר as something "shut up" or "enclosed." When applied to gold, it suggests gold that is "sealed" in its purity, perhaps refined to the point where no impurities remain, or gold that is so valuable it is kept securely "shut away."
2. **Other Terms for Gold:** The Hebrew Bible employs several terms for gold, each with nuanced connotations:
* זָהָב (zahab, `{{H2091}}`): The most common and general term for gold.
* כֶּתֶם (ketem, `{{H3800}}`): Often translated "pure gold" or "fine gold," emphasizing its quality, frequently appearing in poetic or wisdom literature, as seen in [[Job 28:15]] in conjunction with סְגוֹר.
* פָּז (paz, `{{H6337}}`): Signifies "pure gold," often associated with refined or solid gold, particularly in contexts of great value and beauty.
The use of סָגוֹר alongside זָהָב (as זָהָב סָגוּר) or modifying כֶּתֶם (as כֶּתֶם סָגוֹר) elevates the description beyond mere "gold" to "gold of the highest purity," "fine gold," or "purest gold." It implies a gold that has undergone a process of refinement, making it exceptionally valuable and free from dross, thus "sealed" in its perfection.
3. **Concepts of Purity and Value:** The consistent use of סָגוֹר for gold highlights biblical themes of purity, excellence, and intrinsic worth. Gold itself is a metaphor for enduring value, and when qualified by סָגוֹר, this value is amplified to its highest degree.
### Theological Significance
The consistent application of סְגוֹר to "pure gold" carries significant theological weight, especially within the context of the Temple and divine wisdom.
1. **Divine Purity and Holiness:** The extensive use of "pure gold" (זָהָב סָגוּר) in the construction and furnishing of Solomon's Temple, particularly in the inner sanctuary (the Most Holy Place), symbolizes the absolute purity and holiness of God. God's dwelling place must be adorned with the most unblemished and refined materials, reflecting His own unapproachable glory and perfect character. The "shut up" quality of this gold can be seen as representing a sacred separation, a material consecrated and set apart for divine purposes, mirroring God's own transcendence and distinctness from all creation.
2. **Inestimable Value:** In [[Job 28:15]], the declaration that wisdom cannot be bought with "fine gold" (כֶּתֶם סָגוֹר) elevates divine wisdom above all earthly treasures. This emphasizes that true wisdom, which originates from God and leads to a right relationship with Him, possesses an infinite and incalculable value, far surpassing even the most precious material known to humanity. It underscores the spiritual over the material, asserting that divine truths are not commodities to be acquired through wealth but gifts to be sought and cherished.
3. **Divine Excellence and Perfection:** The meticulous detail in describing the "pure gold" used in the Temple underscores the expectation of excellence in worship and service to God. It reflects the divine standard of perfection, suggesting that offerings and devotion to God should be of the highest possible quality, unblemished and pure, just as the gold itself is "shut up" in its refined state.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun סְגוֹר (çᵉgôwr, `{{H5458}}`), derived from the verb "to shut" (סָגַר, `{{H5462}}`), consistently denotes "pure gold" or "fine gold" in its biblical occurrences. This specific usage highlights gold that is "shut up" or "sealed" in its refined state, signifying an unparalleled level of purity, value, and freedom from alloy. Predominantly found in descriptions of Solomon's Temple and palace furnishings, its application underscores the sacredness, glory, and opulence associated with divine worship and royal majesty. In the book of Job, סְגוֹר emphasizes the inestimable worth of wisdom, positioning it far above the most precious earthly commodity. Theologically, סְגוֹר speaks to God's absolute purity and holiness, the infinite value of divine wisdom, and the expectation of excellence and unblemished devotion in service to the Almighty. It symbolizes that which is intrinsically precious, set apart, and enduring.
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