אַלְגּוּמִּים (al.gum.mim)
al.gum.mim
algum
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun algummim refers to a specific type of wood, likely originating from Lebanon and possibly identified with sandalwood or agarwood. It appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the narrative of King Solomon’s temple construction in 2 Chronicles (2:8; 9:11). The text highlights these trees as premium materials imported for significant architectural and artistic purposes.
Its rarity underscores the value placed on this timber. In 2 Chronicles 2:8, Solomon requests algummim logs to be shipped from Lebanon, indicating it was a specialized resource not readily available in Judah. Later, in 2 Chronicles 9:11, the same wood is used to make harps and lyres for the temple musicians, suggesting its acoustic qualities or durability made it suitable for sacred instruments.
The word’s limited occurrence reflects its status as an exotic import rather than a common building material. Its association with both structural beams and musical instruments illustrates how valuable woods were reserved for the most important functions within the temple complex.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word algummim appears only twice in Scripture, yet it carries a weight far beyond its rarity. It refers to a precious wood, likely sandalwood or agarwood, imported from Lebanon for the construction of Solomon’s temple. This timber was not used for ordinary structures but reserved for the most sacred and artistic elements of worship.
In 2 Chronicles 9:11, this valuable wood was crafted into harps and lyres for the temple musicians. The text notes that no such instruments had ever been seen in Judah before. This detail reminds us that God deserves our very best resources. When we offer praise, we are not limited by what is common or cheap; we can bring beauty and excellence to our worship.
Though we do not have access to ancient Lebanese timber today, the principle remains. Our songs, prayers, and acts of service are the instruments we build for God’s house. Let us offer them with care, knowing that He values the heart behind the offering more than the material itself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ algum<s>1×
- algum<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָֽ/אַלְגּוּמִּ֜ים1×
- אַלְגּוּמִּ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
II Chronicles 9:10
The servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, also brought algum trees and precious stones.
This verse establishes the origin of the wood, showing it arrived alongside gold from Ophir as part of a royal tribute, highlighting its status as a high-value import.
-
II Chronicles 9:11
The king used algum tree wood to make terraces for Yahweh’s house and for the king’s house, and harps and stringed instruments for the singers. There were none like these seen before in the land of Judah.
Here the wood is specifically transformed into musical instruments for temple worship, demonstrating its unique acoustic or aesthetic qualities suitable for sacred art.