418. algummim
Lexical Summary
algummim: Almug trees, Algum trees

Original Word: אַלְגּוּמִּים
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: alguwmmiym
Pronunciation: al-goo-meem
Phonetic Spelling: (al-goom-meem')
KJV: algum (trees)
NASB: algum, algum trees
Word Origin: [by transposition for H484 (אַלמֻגִּים - almug)]

1. sticks of algum wood

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
algum trees

By transposition for 'almuggiym; sticks of algum wood -- algum (trees).

see HEBREW 'almuggiym

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
perhaps a sandalwood tree
NASB Translation
algum (2), algum trees (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
אֲלְגּוּמִים noun [masculine] plural a tree (foreign & obscure) always with עֲצֵי, perhaps sandal-wood: — 2 Chron 2:7 ׳עֲצֵי אֲרָזִים בְּרוֺשִׁים וְא (from Lebanon); ׳עֲצֵי אַ2Chronicles 9:10 ("" אֶבֶן יְקָרָה; both from Ophir); compare 2 Chronicles 9:11, see following

Topical Lexicon
Overview

The term אַלְגּוּמִּים refers to a prized timber imported for the building projects of King Solomon. It occurs only three times in the Old Testament, all within the Chronicler’s record of Solomon’s correspondence with Hiram and the subsequent delivery of unusual materials from Ophir (2 Chronicles 2:8; 9:10–11). The wood’s limited appearance highlights its special value and the unique moment in Israel’s history when the monarchy’s prosperity was devoted to the worship of the Lord.

Scriptural Occurrences

2 Chronicles 2:8 – Solomon requests “cedar, cypress, and algum logs from Lebanon” for “the House I am building”.
2 Chronicles 9:10 – Hiram’s and Solomon’s fleets return from Ophir bearing “algum wood and precious stones”.
2 Chronicles 9:11 – Solomon fashions the wood into “steps for the house of the LORD and for the royal palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers”.

Historical Background and Trade

The Chronicler places the procurement of algummim in the larger context of international commerce. Ophir—likely located on the eastern African coast or in southern Arabia—was famous for its gold. By including algummim among the treasures from Ophir, Scripture underscores both the reach of Solomon’s trade alliances and the exceptional character of the wood. Hiram’s Phoenician sailors, renowned for their maritime expertise, served as indispensable partners in transporting this cargo, illustrating how the Lord used Gentile skill to furnish His house in Jerusalem.

Physical Characteristics and Identification

While scholars debate its exact species—suggestions range from red sandalwood to a form of juniper—the text dwells not on botany but on worth and rarity. The Chronicler’s comment that “such algum wood had never been seen before in the land of Judah” (2 Chronicles 9:11) testifies to its unmatched quality. Whether prized for color, density, aromatic quality, or durability, algummim was considered suitable for the most significant structures and instruments in Israel’s life of worship.

Role in the Temple and Royal Buildings

The timber was employed in three primary ways:

1. Structural Elements – “Steps for the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 9:11) likely refers to the ascent to the temple precincts, emphasizing a dignified approach to worship.
2. Palace Architecture – The same material graced the royal residence, linking the king’s rule to the sanctity of the temple without conflating the two.
3. Musical Instruments – Lyres and harps crafted from algummim enriched the Levitical choir, adding aesthetic beauty and durability to the instruments used in praise.

Together these uses illustrate the integration of worship, governance, and artistry under Solomon. The best resources of the world were dedicated first to God’s house, then to the house of the king, mirroring the covenantal priority of divine glory over human authority.

Symbolism and Theological Observations

1. Rarity Devoted to Worship – Just as the finest gold and stones were set apart for holy purposes, so this rare wood was offered to adorn the temple. The precedents of Abel’s “firstborn” offering (Genesis 4:4) and later instructions about unblemished sacrifices (Leviticus 22:19–20) find an architectural parallel in algummim.
2. Beauty and HolinessPsalm 29:2 exhorts, “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” Solomon’s lavish use of algummim embodies that principle in physical form.
3. Unity of Creation and Worship – The transformation of raw timber into instruments of praise foreshadows the ultimate purpose of creation: that “everything that has breath” should praise the Lord (Psalm 150:6). The wood’s journey from distant forests to the temple courts thus becomes a parable of the nations being gathered for worship.

Lessons for Ministry Today

Excellence in Worship – Algummim encourages believers to bring their highest quality—whether resources, talents, or time—to the service of God.
Partnership in Mission – The cooperation between Israel and Tyre reminds the Church that God orchestrates alliances beyond ethnic and cultural boundaries for His purposes.
Stewardship of Resources – Solomon’s prioritization of temple construction before palace luxury models the discipline of allocating God’s gifts first to His worship and work.

Related Passages and Themes

1 Kings 10:11–12 parallels the Chronicler’s account, noting that “the fleet of Hiram” brought “almug wood.” Though the spelling differs, the continuity affirms the same event. 1 Kings also states the wood was used for “supports for the temple of the LORD and for the royal palace, and harps and lyres for the singers,” cementing the Chronicler’s testimony. Together, these passages weave algummim into the broader narrative of Solomon’s reign, where earthly splendor points beyond itself to the glory of the covenant God.

Forms and Transliterations
אַלְגּוּמִּ֖ים אלגומים הָֽאַלְגּוּמִּ֜ים האלגומים וְאַלְגּוּמִּים֮ ואלגומים ’al·gūm·mîm ’algūmmîm algumMim hā’algūmmîm hā·’al·gūm·mîm haalgumMim vealgumMim wə’algūmmîm wə·’al·gūm·mîm
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Chronicles 2:8
HEB: אֲרָזִ֜ים בְּרוֹשִׁ֣ים וְאַלְגּוּמִּים֮ מֵֽהַלְּבָנוֹן֒ כִּ֚י
NAS: cypress and algum timber
KJV: fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon:
INT: cedar cypress and algum Lebanon for

2 Chronicles 9:10
HEB: הֵבִ֛יאוּ עֲצֵ֥י אַלְגּוּמִּ֖ים וְאֶ֥בֶן יְקָרָֽה׃
NAS: also brought algum trees and precious
KJV: brought algum trees
INT: brought trees algum stones and precious

2 Chronicles 9:11
HEB: אֶת־ עֲצֵ֨י הָֽאַלְגּוּמִּ֜ים מְסִלּ֤וֹת לְבֵית־
NAS: From the algum trees the king made
KJV: made [of] the algum trees
INT: the king trees the algum steps the house

3 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 418
3 Occurrences


’al·gūm·mîm — 1 Occ.
hā·’al·gūm·mîm — 1 Occ.
wə·’al·gūm·mîm — 1 Occ.

417
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