Lexical Summary Uphaz: Uphaz Original Word: אוּפָז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Uphaz Perhaps a corruption of 'Owphiyr; Uphaz, a famous gold region -- Uphaz. see HEBREW 'Owphiyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a region where gold is found NASB Translation Uphaz (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs אוּפָז ( proper name, of a location unknown & dubious) whence came gold, ׳זָהָב מֵא Jeremiah 10:9; ׳ֶכּתֶם א Daniel 10:5; so Thes 1 Kings 10:18 זָהָב מוּפָז (מוּפָז = ׳מֵא); but ᵐ5 δόκιμος, & 2 Chronicles 9:17 טָהוֺר, whence MV Klo make מוּפָז Hoph`al Participle from פזז q. v. Klo reads אוֺפִיר (q. v.) for אוּפָז Jeremiah 10:9; Daniel 10:5, in view of כֶּתֶם אוֺפִיר Isaiah 13:12. **Corrupt, see SiegfThLz, Nov. 7, 1883, 530; he explained ׳מֵא Jeremiah 10:9 as error for מוּפָז 1 Kings 10:18, and ׳א Daniel 10:5 as borrowed from Jeremiah 10:9; in Jeremiah 10:9 Gie reads מֵאוֺפִיר, Du either this or מוּפָז (see פזז); read מֵאוֺפִיר perhaps also Daniel 10:5 (Dr). Topical Lexicon Overview Uphaz is named only twice in the Old Testament and is always linked with the finest gold. In both contexts—Jeremiah 10:9 and Daniel 10:5—the term functions as a literary marker for unsurpassed purity and worth, heightening the contrast between earthly splendor and the surpassing glory of the living God. Geographic and Historical Considerations Ancient sources never pinpoint the exact location of Uphaz. Suggestions range from a region near Ophir on the Arabian coast to distant India or even western Arabia along major trade routes. Whatever the precise site, Scripture assumes its audience recognizes Uphaz as a well-known source of top-grade gold. Archaeological parallels are few, leaving Scripture as the primary witness. Its repeated pairing with Tarshish—a wide-ranging maritime trading partner—implies long-distance commerce and emphasizes the extraordinary value of the metal imported from Uphaz. Old Testament Usage • Jeremiah 10:9 contrasts idols with the Lord: “‘Hammered silver is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz—the work of a craftsman and of the hands of a goldsmith. Their clothes are blue and purple, all fashioned by skilled workers.’” Here the prophet exposes the impotence of idols, no matter how lavishly adorned. Even the best gold cannot give life to gods that must be carried (Jeremiah 10:5). • Daniel 10:5 describes a majestic heavenly figure: “I lifted up my eyes, and behold, there was a man dressed in linen, with a belt of fine gold from Uphaz around his waist.” The gleaming sash underscores the heavenly origin and authority of the messenger, whose appearance anticipates later visions of the glorified Christ (compare Revelation 1:13). Theological Themes 1. Superlative Value Versus Vanity Uphaz symbolizes the peak of material beauty, yet Jeremiah uses it to underscore the emptiness of idolatry. The living God needs no embellishment; idols remain powerless despite their ostentatious gold. 2. Holiness and Glory In Daniel, the same gold accentuates divine holiness. Linen speaks of priestly purity; gold of Uphaz signifies majesty. Together they foreshadow the perfect Priest-King whose glory outshines all earthly wealth. 3. Consistency of Revelation From Exodus’ gold-covered mercy seat to Revelation’s golden city, Scripture consistently employs gold as a symbol of purity and divine splendor. Uphaz fits seamlessly into this pattern, reinforcing the unity of the biblical message. Ministry Implications • Idolatry’s Futility Believers must discern modern equivalents of Jeremiah’s gilded idols—anything that claims devotion reserved for God. The finest gold cannot redeem a false hope. • Vision of Christ’s Glory Daniel’s figure girded with Uphaz gold draws worshipers to behold the incomparable majesty of the exalted Christ. Meditating on such passages cultivates reverence and fuels holy living (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Refinement of Faith Just as Uphaz gold is unsurpassed in purity, God refines the faith of His people “more precious than gold” (1 Peter 1:7). Trials, therefore, serve a sanctifying purpose, producing a radiance that reflects His glory. Cross-References and Foreshadowings • Psalm 45:9—“At Your right hand stands the queen adorned with gold of Ophir.” Uphaz therefore operates as more than a geographical footnote; it serves as a theological signpost directing readers away from empty glitter to the incomparable glory of the one true God. Forms and Transliterations אוּפָֽז׃ אופז׃ מֵֽאוּפָ֔ז מאופז ’ū·p̄āz ’ūp̄āz mê’ūp̄āz mê·’ū·p̄āz meuFaz uFazLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Jeremiah 10:9 HEB: יוּבָ֗א וְזָהָב֙ מֵֽאוּפָ֔ז מַעֲשֵׂ֥ה חָרָ֖שׁ NAS: And gold from Uphaz, The work KJV: and gold from Uphaz, the work INT: is brought and gold Uphaz the work of a craftsman Daniel 10:5 2 Occurrences |
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