from פָּזַז; pure (gold); hence, gold itself (as refined); fine (pure) gold.
Transliteration:pâz
Pronunciation:pawz
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term פָּז (pâz), Strong's H6337, derives from the root פָּזַז (pâzaz, `{{H6338}}`), which conveys a sense of swiftness or agility, but in the context of metals, it speaks to the process of purification and refinement. Thus, פָּז (pâz) specifically denotes gold that has undergone such a process, emerging as "pure gold," "refined gold," or "fine gold." It is not merely gold as a material, but gold of the highest quality, free from alloy and impurities. The semantic range emphasizes not just the intrinsic value of gold, but its unblemished excellence, its luster, and its status as the most precious among metals, achieved through a transformative process of purification.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word פָּז (pâz) appears a limited number of times in the Hebrew Bible, but each instance powerfully conveys its meaning:
* **Material Splendor and Royalty:** In the descriptions of Solomon's magnificent reign, פָּז (pâz) is used to describe the gold of his grand ivory throne ([[1 Kings 10:18]], [[2 Chronicles 9:17]]). This highlights the ultimate luxury, wealth, and royal dignity associated with the finest gold. Similarly, a crown of פָּז (pâz) gold is mentioned in connection with the king in [[Psalm 21:3]], signifying supreme honor and divine favor.
* **Figurative Comparison for Divine Value:** Perhaps most profoundly, פָּז (pâz) is employed to articulate the incomparable worth of God's divine revelation and wisdom. The judgments of the Lord are declared to be "more to be desired than gold, yes, than much fine gold (פָּז)" in [[Psalm 19:10]]. Likewise, wisdom's fruit is said to be "better than fine gold (פָּז)" in [[Proverbs 8:19]]. In these contexts, the spiritual and moral truths of God are elevated far above even the most valuable earthly possession, underscoring their absolute and enduring worth.
* **Human Preciousness and Rarity:** In a lament over the desolation of Zion, the precious sons of Zion are compared to "fine gold (פָּז)" ([[Lamentations 4:2]]), emphasizing their immense value and the tragedy of their suffering. Conversely, in a prophetic judgment against Babylon, the scarcity of men after divine wrath is likened to the rarity of "fine gold (פָּז)" ([[Isaiah 13:12]]), suggesting that righteous and valuable individuals will be exceedingly rare.
* **Beauty and Perfection:** In the poetic imagery of the Song of Solomon, the beloved's head is described as "fine gold (פָּז)" ([[Song of Solomon 5:11]]), contributing to a vivid portrayal of unmatched beauty and perfection.
Across these contexts, פָּז (pâz) consistently signifies the highest standard of value, purity, beauty, and unblemished quality, whether applied to material wealth, divine attributes, or human worth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "fine gold" is often juxtaposed or related to other terms for gold and processes of purification:
* **זָהָב (zahab, `{{H2091}}`):** This is the most common and general Hebrew word for "gold." פָּז (pâz) is a specific type of זָהָב (zahab), denoting its superior quality and refinement, much like "sterling silver" is a specific type of "silver."
* **כֶּתֶם (ketem, `{{H3800}}`):** This term also refers to gold, often with an emphasis on its hidden or refined nature, and shares a semantic overlap with פָּז (pâz) in conveying preciousness and purity.
* **בֶּצֶר (betser, `{{H1219}}`):** Another term for gold, possibly referring to gold ore or gold in its natural state, contrasting with the refined quality of פָּז (pâz).
* **Refinement and Purification:** The very essence of פָּז (pâz) implies a process of intense heat and purification, akin to the testing of metals in a furnace (e.g., [[Proverbs 17:3]], [[Zechariah 13:9]]). This process is a powerful biblical metaphor for God's testing and purification of His people, removing impurities to reveal a pure, valuable core.
* **Preciousness:** The word aligns with other concepts of preciousness, such as jewels, silver, and other valuable commodities, but consistently represents the pinnacle of such value.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of פָּז (pâz) is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Perfection and Unblemished Truth:** When God's law, judgments, and wisdom are compared to פָּז (pâz), it underscores their absolute perfection, unadulterated truth, and supreme value. They are not merely good, but perfectly pure, without flaw or mixture of error, representing the very character of a holy God. This emphasizes that God's standards are the ultimate measure of excellence.
* **The Inestimable Value of Spiritual Realities:** The consistent portrayal of divine wisdom and truth as more desirable than פָּז (pâz) gold highlights a core biblical principle: spiritual wealth far surpasses material wealth. It calls believers to prioritize God's word and wisdom as the most precious possessions, guiding their desires and pursuits.
* **Human Dignity and Depravity:** The comparison of Zion's sons to פָּז (pâz) in [[Lamentations 4:2]] speaks to the inherent dignity and preciousness of humanity, especially God's chosen people, as creations in His image. However, the rarity of men like פָּז (pâz) after judgment ([[Isaiah 13:12]]) starkly illustrates the devastating impact of sin, which diminishes human value and makes true, unblemished righteousness a rare commodity.
* **The Glory of God's Kingdom:** While not directly stated, the imagery of פָּז (pâz) contributes to the vision of God's ultimate kingdom and dwelling as a place of unparalleled glory, purity, and perfection, where everything is of the highest, most refined standard.
### Summary
פָּז (pâz, `{{H6337}}`) signifies gold of the highest possible purity and refinement, obtained through a process of purification. In the Hebrew Bible, it is used literally to describe objects of immense wealth and royal splendor, such as Solomon's throne. More significantly, it serves as a powerful metaphor to convey the supreme value, unblemished perfection, and enduring worth of God's law, wisdom, and judgments, placing them far above any earthly treasure. It also highlights the inherent preciousness of humanity, particularly God's people, and conversely, the tragic scarcity of true righteousness in a fallen world. The consistent use of פָּז (pâz) underscores the biblical emphasis on purity, excellence, and the ultimate preeminence of divine truth over all material possessions.
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