Definition and Etymology:
The term "sterling" is not directly found in the Bible; however, it is often associated with high quality, purity, and value, particularly in reference to silver. The word "sterling" itself originates from the Old English "steorling," which referred to a silver penny. In a biblical context, silver is frequently mentioned as a symbol of wealth, purity, and divine refinement.

Biblical Context and Symbolism:
In the Bible, silver is often used metaphorically to represent purity and value. For instance, in Psalm 12:6 , it is written, "The words of the LORD are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace, like gold purified sevenfold." This verse highlights the purity and perfection of God's words, likening them to refined silver, which is free from impurities.

Silver also plays a significant role in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, symbolizing the preciousness and sanctity of these holy places. In Exodus 26:19, silver is used for the bases of the Tabernacle's frames, indicating its importance and value in the worship of God.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
In biblical times, silver was a common medium of exchange and a measure of wealth. It was used in trade and as a standard for currency. The patriarch Abraham, for example, purchased the cave of Machpelah as a burial site for his wife Sarah with silver, as recorded in Genesis 23:16 : "Abraham agreed to Ephron’s terms and weighed out for him the price he had named in the hearing of the Hittites: four hundred shekels of silver, according to the standard of the merchants."

The use of silver as currency is further exemplified in the New Testament with the betrayal of Jesus by Judas Iscariot, who received thirty pieces of silver for his act (Matthew 26:15). This event underscores the value and significance of silver in the economic and social systems of the time.

Theological Implications:
Theologically, silver's association with purity and refinement is significant. In Proverbs 17:3 , it is stated, "A crucible for silver and a furnace for gold, but the LORD is the tester of hearts." This verse suggests that just as silver is refined through fire to remove impurities, God tests and purifies the hearts of His people.

Furthermore, the refining process of silver is often used as an analogy for spiritual purification and growth. In Malachi 3:3 , the prophet speaks of the Lord as a refiner and purifier of silver, indicating the transformative process believers undergo to become more like Christ.

Conclusion:
While the term "sterling" itself is not found in the Bible, its association with silver provides rich symbolism and theological insights. Silver's representation of purity, value, and divine refinement offers a profound understanding of God's nature and His work in the lives of believers.1. (n.) Meeting certain standard of quality or value; thoroughly excellent.

2. (n.) Same as Starling.

3. (n.) Any English coin of standard value; coined money.

4. (a.) Belonging to, or relating to, the standard British money of account, or the British coinage; as, a pound sterling; a shilling sterling; a penny sterling; -- now chiefly applied to the lawful money of England; but sterling cost, sterling value, are used.

5. (a.) Genuine; pure; of excellent quality; conforming to the highest standard; of full value; as, a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling good sense.

PM Sterling. A Hymn of Morning.
... VIII. VARIOUS OCCASIONS. 362. PM Sterling. A Hymn of Morning. 1 Sweet morn!
from countless cups of gold, Thou liftest reverently ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/362 p m sterling a.htm

M. Sterling. Rest.
... IX. MISCELLANEOUS. 477. 10s. M. Sterling. Rest. 1 O Thou, the primal fount
of life and peace, Who shedd'st Thy breathing quiet all ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/477 10s m sterling rest.htm

M. Sterling. The Husbandman's Hymn.
... VIII. VARIOUS OCCASIONS. 432. 8 & 7s. M. Sterling. The Husbandman's Hymn.
1 Many a power within earth's bosom, Noiseless, hidden ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/432 8 & 7s m.htm

LM Sterling. Love Supreme in God.
... II. GOD. 75. LM Sterling. Love Supreme in God. 1 O Source divine, and
Life of all, The Fount of being's wondrous sea! Thy depth ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/75 l m sterling love.htm

LM Sterling. Divine Meaning in Humble Things.
... VII. THE CHRISTIAN LIFE. 303. LM Sterling. Divine Meaning in Humble Things.
1 Thou, Lord, who rear'st the mountain's height, And ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/303 l m sterling divine.htm

Chapter twenty-four
... When Dr. Bruce and the Bishop entered the Sterling mansion everything in the usually
well appointed household was in the greatest confusion and terror. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-four.htm

Chapter twenty-two
... There was one scene in the third act that impressed even Rose Sterling. ... "Tell Clara
to go out," exclaimed Mrs. Sterling as Felicia came up to the bed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-two.htm

Chapter twenty-one
... and modern refinement. The owner of it all, Mr. Charles R. Sterling, stood
before an open grate fire smoking a cigar. He had made ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-one.htm

Chapter twenty-three
... She threw off her wraps and was going upstairs when Mr. Sterling called after her.
"An after-meeting? ... And still Mr. Sterling paced the drawing-room restlessly. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-three.htm

Carey's Last Days
... the civil and military officials, and had enriched a succession of partners for
half a century, fell one by one"fell for sixteen millions sterling among them ...
/.../smith/the life of william carey/chapter xvi careys last days.htm

Sterling (1 Occurrence)
... 4. (a.) Belonging to, or relating to, the standard British money of account, or
the British coinage; as, a pound sterling; a shilling sterling; a penny sterling...
/s/sterling.htm - 7k

Talent (16 Occurrences)
... The Attic talent, as a weight, was about 57 lbs. avoirdupois; as a denomination
of silver money, its value was 243 15s. sterling, or about USD1,180. ...
/t/talent.htm - 14k

Stern (8 Occurrences)

/s/stern.htm - 9k

Noble (61 Occurrences)
... 5. (n.) An English money of account, and, formerly, a gold coin, of the value of
6 s. 8 d. sterling, or about USD1.61. 6. (n.) A European fish; the lyrie. ...
/n/noble.htm - 27k

Necessity (22 Occurrences)
... Corinthians 11:19 For there must of necessity be differences of opinion among you,
in order that it may be plainly seen who are the men of sterling worth among ...
/n/necessity.htm - 13k

Worth (36 Occurrences)
... Corinthians 11:19 For there must of necessity be differences of opinion among you,
in order that it may be plainly seen who are the men of sterling worth among ...
/w/worth.htm - 17k

Tester (5 Occurrences)
... 4. (n.) An old French silver coin, originally of the value of about eighteen pence,
subsequently reduced to ninepence, and later to sixpence, sterling. ...
/t/tester.htm - 8k

Differences (2 Occurrences)
... Corinthians 11:19 For there must of necessity be differences of opinion among you,
in order that it may be plainly seen who are the men of sterling worth among ...
/d/differences.htm - 7k

Pound (13 Occurrences)
... 11. (n.) A British denomination of money of account, equivalent to twenty
shillings sterling, and equal in value to about USD4.86. ...
/p/pound.htm - 13k

Plainly (25 Occurrences)
... Corinthians 11:19 For there must of necessity be differences of opinion among you,
in order that it may be plainly seen who are the men of sterling worth among ...
/p/plainly.htm - 14k

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