Lexical Summary tsorephi: Refiner, smelter Original Word: צֹרְפִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance goldsmith's From tsaraph; refiner; Tsorephi (with the article), an Israelite -- goldsmith's. see HEBREW tsaraph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaraph Definition goldsmiths NASB Translation goldsmiths (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs צֹרְפִי noun [masculine] collective goldsmiths; — only ׳בֶּןהַֿצּ Nehemiah 3:31 i.e. belonging to the goldsmiths, a member of their guild. Topical Lexicon Designation and Scope Tsorephi refers to a goldsmith or metal-refiner and appears once in Scripture at Nehemiah 3:31. Although a single occurrence, the term illuminates both the social fabric of post-exilic Jerusalem and the rich biblical imagery of refining. Historical Setting in Nehemiah In Nehemiah 3 skilled artisans, priests, merchants, rulers, and ordinary citizens unite to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall. Verse 31 notes, “Next to him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs …” (Berean Standard Bible). Tsorephi identifies Malchijah’s profession. His participation highlights at least three historical truths: 1. Trade guilds already existed in the fifth century B.C., and goldsmiths formed an identifiable group in Jerusalem. Goldsmiths in Israelite Economy and Worship Gold played a central role in Israel’s economy and cultus. From the craftsmanship of Bezaleel and Oholiab in constructing the Tabernacle’s golden furnishings (Exodus 31:1-11; 37:1-29) to Solomon’s Temple overlaid with “pure gold” (2 Chronicles 3:4-10), skilled goldsmiths enabled corporate worship. Their work funded royal treasuries (1 Kings 10:14-22) and supplied weights for commerce (Proverbs 11:1). The presence of Tsorephi in post-exilic Jerusalem signals restoration not only of walls but also of economic and liturgical infrastructure. Symbolic Resonance of Refining Because gold must be heated, melted, and purged of dross, the craftsman’s forge became an enduring biblical metaphor for divine testing: Tsorephi therefore serves as a concrete reminder that God uses trials to produce purity, authenticity, and value in His people. Ministry Insights 1. Vocational Calling: Malchijah’s identity as a goldsmith underscores that every occupation can be consecrated to the Lord’s work. Modern believers may likewise offer professional skills—business, technology, art—in service of the gospel. Christological and Eschatological Echoes Jesus Christ fulfills the refining motif both as the tested and spotless Lamb (Hebrews 4:15) and as the Refiner who will purge impurity at His return (Revelation 3:18; 19:12). Tsorephi thus points forward to the day when the New Jerusalem will shine with “the glory of God, and its brilliance was like a very precious jewel” (Revelation 21:11). Related Themes and Passages • Proverbs 17:3; 27:21 — furnaces and crucibles as analogies for divine scrutiny Summary Tsorephi, though a minor term in the biblical text, embodies the intersection of skilled labor, covenant community, and spiritual metaphor. The solitary goldsmith of Nehemiah 3:31 stands with hammer in hand beside priests and nobles, a living testament that God refines both metal and hearts, forging a people fit for His eternal city. Forms and Transliterations הַצֹּ֣רְפִ֔י הצרפי haṣ·ṣō·rə·p̄î haṣṣōrəp̄î hatzTzoreFiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 3:31 HEB: מַלְכִּיָּה֙ בֶּן־ הַצֹּ֣רְפִ֔י עַד־ בֵּ֥ית NAS: one of the goldsmiths, carried out repairs KJV: Malchiah the goldsmith's son INT: Malchijah one of the goldsmiths far as the house 1 Occurrence |
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