The term "silverling" is an archaic English word used to denote a small piece or coin of silver. In biblical contexts, silver was a common medium of exchange and a measure of wealth, often mentioned in the context of trade, offerings, and monetary transactions. The term "silverling" itself is not directly found in the Berean Standard Bible , but the concept is closely related to the use of silver in biblical times.

Biblical References and Usage

1. Monetary Value and Trade: Silver was a standard of wealth and was used in various transactions. In Genesis 23:16, Abraham weighs out silver to purchase the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for Sarah: "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms, and he weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard current among the merchants" . This passage illustrates the use of silver as a currency and its role in legal and commercial agreements.

2. Offerings and Sacrifices: Silver was also used in religious contexts, often as part of offerings to God. In Exodus 30:11-16, the Israelites are instructed to give a half-shekel offering of silver for the service of the Tent of Meeting: "Each one who crosses over to those already counted is to give a half shekel, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. This half shekel is an offering to the LORD" . This offering was a means of atonement and a reminder of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

3. Symbol of Redemption and Betrayal: Silver is notably mentioned in the context of betrayal and redemption. In the New Testament, Judas Iscariot betrays Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, fulfilling the prophecy found in Zechariah 11:12-13. Matthew 26:14-15 records this event: "Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?' And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver" . This act of betrayal for silver highlights the moral and spiritual implications of valuing material wealth over divine truth.

4. Symbolic and Prophetic Significance: Silver is often used symbolically in the Bible to represent purity, refinement, and value. In Malachi 3:3, the refining process of silver is used as a metaphor for God's purification of His people: "He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, that they may present offerings to the LORD in righteousness" . This imagery underscores the transformative power of God's judgment and grace.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern cultures, silver was a precious metal highly valued for its beauty and utility. It was used not only in commerce but also in the creation of jewelry, utensils, and religious artifacts. The economic and symbolic significance of silver in biblical times reflects its enduring value and the human tendency to equate material wealth with security and status.

Theological Implications

The use of silver in the Bible often serves as a reminder of the tension between material wealth and spiritual integrity. While silver can be a blessing and a tool for worship, it can also become an idol or a source of moral compromise. The biblical narrative consistently calls believers to prioritize their relationship with God over the pursuit of earthly riches, emphasizing the eternal value of spiritual treasures over temporal wealth.(Isaiah 7:23). Literally the words are "at a thousand of silver", i.e., "pieces of silver," or shekels. (n.) A small silver coin.SILVERLING

sil'-ver-ling ('eleph kecheph (Isaiah 7:23)): `A thousand of silver' means a thousand shekels.

See PIECE OF SILVER.

694. argurion -- silvery, by ext. a piece of silver
... Neuter of a presumed derivative of arguros; silvery, ie (by implication) cash;
specially, a silverling (ie Drachma or shekel) -- money, (piece of) silver (piece ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/694.htm - 6k3701. keseph -- silver, money
... money, price, silverling. From kacaph; silver (from its pale color); by implication,
money -- money, price, silver(-ling). see HEBREW kacaph. 3700, 3701. ...
/hebrew/3701.htm - 6kSilverling
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SILVERLING. sil'-ver-ling ('eleph kecheph (Isaiah
7:23)): `A thousand of silver' means a thousand shekels. See PIECE OF SILVER ...
/s/silverling.htm - 6k

Silverlings (24 Occurrences)

/s/silverlings.htm - 14k

Silverings (1 Occurrence)

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Silverling: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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