Lexical Summary almuggim: Almug trees, almug wood Original Word: אַלְמֻגִּים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance almug trees Probably of foreign derivation (used thus only in the plural); almug (i.e. Probably sandle-wood) sticks -- almug trees. Compare 'alguwmmiym. see HEBREW 'alguwmmiym NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition perhaps the sandalwood tree NASB Translation almug (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַלְמֻגִּים noun [masculine] plural id. עֲצֵי אַלְמֻגִּים 1 Kings 10:11,12 (from Ophir); ׳הָא ׳ע 1 Kings 10:12. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences 1 Kings 10:11–12 records that “The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought from Ophir a great quantity of almug wood and precious stones. The king made the almug wood into supports for the house of the LORD and for the royal palace, and into lyres and harps for the singers” (Berean Standard Bible). Parallel passages in 2 Chronicles 2:8 and 2 Chronicles 9:10–11 echo the same events. Every reference falls within the reign of King Solomon and centers on the building of the First Temple or related royal projects. Historical Context During Solomon’s reign Israel reached unparalleled economic and diplomatic influence. His maritime partnership with Hiram of Tyre expanded trade routes to far-flung regions such as Ophir. The imported wood arrived with gold and precious stones, reflecting an era when the king leveraged international resources for sacred and civic construction. The arrival of such costly timber underscores the reality that Solomon spared no expense in fulfilling the charge first entrusted to his father David: constructing a dwelling place for the name of the Lord (1 Kings 8:17–20). Material Qualities and Uses Although modern scholarship debates the exact species—proposals range from red sandalwood to a dense variety of juniper—several features are certain from the text itself: These traits establish the wood as an emblem of excellence in God-honoring craftsmanship. Theological and Symbolic Significance 1. Devotion of the finest to God. The Temple represented Yahweh’s throne on earth; choosing the most valued materials proclaimed His worth. Believers today glean a principle of offering their best, whether material or intangible, to the Lord (Romans 12:1). Ministry Applications • Excellence in resource stewardship: Churches and ministries, while mindful of extravagance, may invest quality resources to reflect God’s glory and to serve His people. Summary In its three Old Testament appearances, אַלְמֻגִּים stands as a tangible marker of Solomon’s prosperity, international reach, and unwavering intent to honor the Lord with unparalleled splendor. Though a rare commodity, its lasting legacy is the reminder that no offering is too precious when devoted to the service of the living God. Forms and Transliterations אַלְמֻגִּ֛ים אַלְמֻגִּים֙ אלמגים הָאַלְמֻגִּ֜ים האלמגים ’al·mug·gîm ’almuggîm almugGim hā’almuggîm hā·’al·mug·gîm haalmugGimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 10:11 HEB: מֵאֹפִ֜יר עֲצֵ֧י אַלְמֻגִּ֛ים הַרְבֵּ֥ה מְאֹ֖ד NAS: great [number of] almug trees KJV: plenty of almug trees, INT: Ophir trees almug great A very 1 Kings 10:12 1 Kings 10:12 3 Occurrences |
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