Silver: Baskets (Rv), or Filigree (Margin, RV)
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In biblical literature, silver holds significant symbolic and practical value, often representing wealth, purity, and divine wisdom. The term "silver" appears frequently throughout the Scriptures, denoting both its material worth and its metaphorical implications.

Symbolism and Usage in Scripture

Silver is frequently mentioned in the Bible as a symbol of refinement and purity. In the process of refining silver, impurities are removed, leaving behind a pure and valuable metal. This process is often used metaphorically in Scripture to describe the purification of individuals or nations. For instance, in Malachi 3:3, it is written, "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver."

Silver Baskets and Filigree

The term "silver baskets" or "filigree" is a specific reference found in the Revised Version (RV) of the Bible, with "filigree" appearing in the margin. This imagery is drawn from Proverbs 25:11, which states, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." The Berean Standard Bible translates this as "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."

The imagery of "settings of silver" or "filigree" suggests intricate craftsmanship and beauty. Filigree refers to delicate and intricate metalwork, often used in jewelry and decorative art. This metaphor highlights the value and beauty of well-chosen words, comparing them to precious metals artfully arranged.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient times, silver was a common medium of exchange and a measure of wealth. It was used in various forms, including coins, jewelry, and household items. The craftsmanship involved in creating silver baskets or filigree would have been highly esteemed, reflecting both artistic skill and economic status.

The use of silver in religious contexts is also noteworthy. In the construction of the Tabernacle, silver was used for various elements, including the bases of the sanctuary's pillars (Exodus 26:19). This use underscores the metal's association with holiness and divine service.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the use of silver in biblical metaphors often points to the refining and purifying work of God in the lives of His people. Just as silver is refined to remove impurities, believers are called to undergo spiritual refinement, growing in holiness and reflecting the character of God.

The comparison of well-spoken words to "apples of gold in settings of silver" emphasizes the power and importance of speech. Words that are timely and wise are portrayed as precious and beautiful, capable of bringing encouragement and truth to those who hear them.

In conclusion, the biblical references to silver, whether in the form of baskets or filigree, serve as rich metaphors for purity, value, and divine wisdom. They remind believers of the importance of refinement, both in character and in speech, as they seek to live lives that honor God.
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Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
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Resources
What kind of divination did Joseph do in Genesis 44:5, 15? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Achan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why did God judge the sin of Achan so severely? | GotQuestions.org

Silver: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Silver

Silver for Ornamentation of, and in the Manufacture of, the Utensils for the Tabernacle

Silver of Good Rulers

Silver of Saints Purified by Affliction

Silver of the Medo-Persian Kingdom

Silver of the Temple

Silver of the Tongue of the Just

Silver of the Words of the Lord

Silver used As Money from the Earliest Times

Silver used for Money

Silver: (Dross of) of the Wicked

Silver: (Labour of Seeking For) of Diligence Required For

Silver: (Reprobate) the Wicked

Silver: Abundance of

Silver: Baskets (Rv), or Filigree (Margin, RV)

Silver: Chains

Silver: Comparative Value of

Silver: Cords

Silver: Cups Made of

Silver: Dross From

Silver: from Tarshish

Silver: Fusible

Silver: Generally Found in an Impure State

Silver: Given by David and his Subjects for Making the Temple

Silver: Given by the Israelite for Making the Tabernacle

Silver: Idols

Silver: Jewels

Silver: Made Into: Beds or Couches

Silver: Made Into: Bowls

Silver: Made Into: Candlesticks

Silver: Made Into: Chains

Silver: Made Into: Cups

Silver: Made Into: Dishes

Silver: Made Into: Idols

Silver: Made Into: Ornaments and Hooks for the Pillars of the Tabernacle

Silver: Made Into: Ornaments for the Person

Silver: Made Into: Sockets for the Boards of the Tabernacle

Silver: Made Into: Tables

Silver: Made Into: Thin Plates

Silver: Made Into: Vessels

Silver: Made Into: Wires (Alluded To)

Silver: Malleable

Silver: Often Given As Presents

Silver: Palace

Silver: Purified by Fire

Silver: Purified, Called: Choice Silver

Silver: Purified, Called: Refined Silver

Silver: Refining of

Silver: Reprobate

Silver: Shrines

Silver: Symbolical

Silver: Taken in War often Consecrated to God

Silver: Taken in War Purified by Fire

Silver: Tarshish Carried on Extensive Commerce In

Silver: The Patriarchs Rich In

Silver: The Working In, a Trade

Silver: Tribute often Paid In

Silver: Trumpets

Silver: Veins of, Found in the Earth

Silver: Very Abundant in the Reign of Solomon

Silver: Vessels of

Silver: White and Shining

Silver: Wisdom to be Esteemed More Than

Silver: Workers In

Related Terms

Silver-pieces (6 Occurrences)

Silver-worker (2 Occurrences)

Silver-beater (1 Occurrence)

Silver-bronze (2 Occurrences)

Silver-smith (1 Occurrence)

Tribute-silver (1 Occurrence)

Silver-covered (1 Occurrence)

Charger (17 Occurrences)

Bases (80 Occurrences)

Platter (20 Occurrences)

Pegs (22 Occurrences)

Sockets (44 Occurrences)

Connecting-rods (8 Occurrences)

Plate (34 Occurrences)

Coins (13 Occurrences)

Costly (26 Occurrences)

Pans (19 Occurrences)

Silversmith (4 Occurrences)

Shekel (37 Occurrences)

Basins (33 Occurrences)

Store-house (23 Occurrences)

Pictured (26 Occurrences)

Basons (9 Occurrences)

Craftsmen (22 Occurrences)

Scale (38 Occurrences)

Cups (28 Occurrences)

Bowl (44 Occurrences)

Cereal (124 Occurrences)

Valued (27 Occurrences)

Valuable (17 Occurrences)

Valuation (22 Occurrences)

Bits (54 Occurrences)

Copper (55 Occurrences)

Plates (19 Occurrences)

Capitals (21 Occurrences)

Chapiters (15 Occurrences)

Courtyard (59 Occurrences)

Coin (9 Occurrences)

Artificers (15 Occurrences)

Spoons (11 Occurrences)

Plated (29 Occurrences)

Basin (37 Occurrences)

Sprinkling (48 Occurrences)

Silverling

Bowls (47 Occurrences)

Posts (68 Occurrences)

Quantities (13 Occurrences)

Stores (53 Occurrences)

Plentiful (17 Occurrences)

Censers (11 Occurrences)

Changes (27 Occurrences)

Ape

Alabaster (6 Occurrences)

Articles (78 Occurrences)

Pound (13 Occurrences)

Body-guard (23 Occurrences)

Bands (130 Occurrences)

Bronze (146 Occurrences)

Seventy (97 Occurrences)

Shekels (92 Occurrences)

Stored (55 Occurrences)

Curtains (34 Occurrences)

Store-houses (32 Occurrences)

Yellow (6 Occurrences)

Knives (12 Occurrences)

Platters (2 Occurrences)

Pounds (16 Occurrences)

Picture (6 Occurrences)

Bags (16 Occurrences)

Coveted (3 Occurrences)

Chargers (3 Occurrences)

Choicest (32 Occurrences)

Crucible (3 Occurrences)

Cedars (37 Occurrences)

Curious (18 Occurrences)

Concealed (36 Occurrences)

Candlesticks (11 Occurrences)

Alloy

Silver: Abundance of
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