◄ 1723. dahava ►
Lexical Summary
dahava: Gold

Original Word: דַּהֲוָא
Part of Speech: Noun
Transliteration: Dahava`
Pronunciation: dah-hah-VAH
Phonetic Spelling: (dah-hav-aw')
KJV: Dehavites
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) of uncertain derivation]

1. Dahava, a people colonized in Samaria

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
Overview

Strong’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).
• Temple: Solomon “overlaid the inside of the temple with pure gold” (1 Kings 6:21), teaching that worship aims at reflecting heavenly splendor.
• Offerings: Gold was a voluntary offering of the Israelites (Exodus 35:22), revealing free‐will devotion rather than compulsory tax.

Warnings Concerning Gold

• Idolatry: “Their silver and gold cannot save them on the day of the LORD’s wrath” (Ezekiel 7:19).
• False Security: James rebukes the rich, saying, “Your gold and silver are corroded” (James 5:3), underscoring the transience of wealth.
• Spiritual Adulteries: Laodicea assumed prosperity meant divine favor until admonished to “buy from Me gold refined by fire” (Revelation 3:18).

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).
2. Discipleship: Teach that true riches are found in Christ; material possessions are tools, not masters.
3. Worship Arts: Artistic excellence in church architecture or music can reflect God’s beauty without drifting into ostentation when motivated by reverence.
4. Pastoral Care: Encourage suffering saints that God refines faith “like gold in a furnace,” producing endurance and hope.

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
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