### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bᵉdîyl**, represented by `{{H913}}`, primarily means **tin** or alloy. It is derived from a root meaning to be removed, referencing the smelting process. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, carrying a dual significance as both a base metal and a building tool.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H913}}` is most often found in lists of metals. It is mentioned as a commodity traded by Tarshish, alongside silver, iron, and lead [[Ezekiel 27:12]]. It is also included among the metals like gold, silver, brass, and iron that must be purified by fire [[Numbers 31:22]]. Metaphorically, God describes the house of Israel as having become like **tin**, brass, iron, and lead—impurities or dross that He will purge away in a furnace ([[Isaiah 1:25]], [[Ezekiel 22:18]]). A unique usage appears in Zechariah, where the term is translated as **plummet**, a tool seen in Zerubbabel's hand, symbolizing God's standard in rebuilding [[Zechariah 4:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words, often appearing alongside **bᵉdîyl**, provide context for its use as a metal:
* `{{H5509}}` **çîyg** (dross): This word means scoria or refuse from smelting. **bᵉdîyl** is identified as a component of dross that God will purge from Israel ([[Isaiah 1:25]], [[Ezekiel 22:18]]).
* `{{H3701}}` **keçeph** (silver): Meaning silver or money, this precious metal is often the standard from which dross and base metals like **tin** are separated [[Ezekiel 22:18]].
* `{{H1270}}` **barzel** (iron): As a strong, common metal, iron is frequently listed with **tin** in inventories of materials, both for trade and for metaphorical impurity ([[Ezekiel 27:12]], [[Ezekiel 22:20]]).
* `{{H5178}}` **nᵉchôsheth** (brass): Meaning copper or brass, this metal is also grouped with **tin** to represent the moral state of Israel before God's refining judgment [[Ezekiel 22:18]].
* `{{H5777}}` **ʻôwphereth** (lead): This heavy, base metal is consistently mentioned with **tin**, whether as a trade good or as a symbol of impurity to be melted down ([[Numbers 31:22]], [[Ezekiel 27:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H913}}` is expressed in its contrasting symbolic roles:
* **Symbol of Impurity:** The most common theological use of **bᵉdîyl** is to represent sin and spiritual corruption. God equates the house of Israel to base metals, including **tin**, that have become dross and must be gathered into the furnace of judgment to be melted and purged [[Ezekiel 22:18-20]]. In Isaiah, the removal of **tin** is part of God's promise to purely purge His people [[Isaiah 1:25]].
* **Instrument of Divine Standard:** In stark contrast, the word's use as a **plummet** signifies divine precision and the joyful establishment of God's order. Seeing the plummet in Zerubbabel's hand was a cause for rejoicing, confirming that the work of rebuilding was being done according to God's design [[Zechariah 4:10]].
* **Worldly vs. Purified Material:** As a traded commodity [[Ezekiel 27:12]] and spoil of war [[Numbers 31:22]], **tin** represents earthly materials. Its status is neutral until it is placed in a theological context, where it becomes either an impurity to be removed or a component of a greater whole.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H913}}` is a word with a dual identity defined entirely by its context. As **tin**, it serves as a powerful metaphor for the impurities within God's people that require refining judgment. Yet as a **plummet**, it represents the very standard of righteousness and divine order that brings joy. This Hebrew word illustrates how a common material can symbolize both what must be purged from God's people and the precision with which He restores them.
TRV