Lexical Summary dahava: Gold Original Word: דַּהֲוָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Dehavites (Aramaic) of uncertain derivation; Dahava, a people colonized in Samaria -- Dehavites. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation Definition that is. Brown-Driver-Briggs דהוא Kt, דֵּהָוֵא Qr, according to Thes and most proper name, of a people Ezra 4:9, see conjectural identification by DlBaer Dn x Scheft31f.; < read דִּהוּא that is, HoffmZA ii. 54 Marquart64 MeyEntst. J. 36, ᵐ5. οἳ εἰσίν. Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Hebrew 1723 is an Aramaic term that corresponds to the Hebrew word “gold.” Although this specific spelling does not appear in the Masoretic Text, its cognates saturate Scripture, so the term opens a wide door for reflecting on gold’s place in redemptive history. Linguistic Background Throughout Ezra and Daniel the Aramaic form of “gold” follows the same semantic range as the Hebrew זָהָב, encompassing raw ore, refined metal, minted coinage, decorative objects, and metaphorical riches. The absence of 1723 in the traditional consonantal text does not lessen its conceptual weight; instead, the term reminds readers that God’s Word was breathed out in a multilingual environment, uniting Hebrew and Aramaic testimony into a cohesive revelation. Scriptural Themes of Gold 1. Divine Glory. Gold’s intrinsic radiance mirrors the glory of God, who “dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16). The ark, mercy seat, lampstand, and priestly garments were overlaid or woven with gold (Exodus 25–28). Through these materials the LORD signaled His unmatched holiness. 2. Kingship and Dominion. Nebuchadnezzar’s head of gold (Daniel 2:32) typifies earthly sovereignty yet also exposes its fragility: “the stone that struck the statue became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35). Gold therefore functions both as a symbol of governmental splendor and as a foil that underlines the everlasting kingdom of Christ. 3. Worship—True and False. The same metal adorned the sanctuary and, tragically, the golden calf (Exodus 32:4). Scripture thereby illustrates that material wealth is either sanctified through obedience or corrupted through idolatry. 4. Wealth and Stewardship. Proverbs highlights gold as a legitimate blessing—“The blessing of the LORD enriches, and He adds no sorrow to it” (Proverbs 10:22)—while also warning that wisdom outranks riches (Proverbs 16:16). Believers must weigh material assets against eternal values. Symbolism in Salvation History Gold anticipates the work of Christ. The magi’s gift (Matthew 2:11) confessed Jesus as King. Later John beheld the risen Lord amid “seven golden lampstands” (Revelation 1:12), confirming His ongoing priestly ministry. Ultimately the New Jerusalem’s streets are “pure gold, as clear as glass” (Revelation 21:21), portraying creation fully conformed to God’s glory. Worship and Cultic Use • Tabernacle: Every piece of furniture closest to the presence of God was either overlaid with or made entirely of gold (Exodus 25:11, Exodus 25:31). Warnings Concerning Gold • Idolatry: “Their silver and gold cannot save them on the day of the LORD’s wrath” (Ezekiel 7:19). Eschatological Hope Gold refined by fire depicts tested faith (1 Peter 1:7). Final salvation will display believers as living trophies of divine craftsmanship, surpassing the brilliance of earthly metals. Ministry Application 1. Stewardship: Churches and individual believers must employ wealth for gospel advance, remembering that all treasure ultimately belongs to the Lord (Haggai 2:8). Summary Though Strong’s Hebrew 1723 has no discrete citation in the Hebrew canon, its thematic reach encompasses God’s glory, human stewardship, and eschatological promise. Gold’s luster fades when misused, yet under divine wisdom it becomes a witness to the surpassing excellence of Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance ’ed·dad·deh — 1 Occ.’ed·dad·dêm — 1 Occ. də·ḏān — 6 Occ. ū·ḏə·ḏān — 3 Occ. ū·ḏə·ḏā·neh — 1 Occ. ū·ḏə·ḏān — 1 Occ. də·ḏā·nîm — 1 Occ. wə·ḏō·ḏā·nîm — 1 Occ. wə·rō·w·ḏā·nîm — 1 Occ. ḏa·hă·ḇā — 13 Occ. ḏə·haḇ — 2 Occ. ū·ḏə·haḇ — 2 Occ. wə·ḏa·hă·ḇā — 3 Occ. wə·ḏa·hă·ḇāh — 1 Occ. niḏ·hām — 1 Occ. dō·hêr — 1 Occ. da·hă·rō·wṯ — 1 Occ. mid·da·hă·rō·wṯ — 1 Occ. ū·mə·ḏî·ḇōṯ — 1 Occ. daw·wā·ḡîm — 1 Occ. |