אַלְמֻגִּים (al.mug.gim)
al.mug.gim
almug
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun almugim refers to a valuable timber sourced from Lebanon, appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible. The texts identify this wood as distinct and precious, used for making structural supports and musical instruments within Solomon’s temple complex (1 Kings 10:11-12; 2 Chronicles 9:10-11). Its rarity is emphasized by its association with royal wealth and sacred craftsmanship.
Lexical sources suggest the wood may be sandalwood or a similar exotic timber, though the exact botanical identification remains uncertain. The term likely entered Hebrew through trade networks connecting Israel with distant regions like Ophir. This limited usage highlights the word’s focus on luxury and divine worship rather than everyday construction, marking it as a symbol of God’s provision through international commerce.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word almugim appears only twice in Scripture, describing a rare and precious timber brought from distant lands like Ophir. It was used to build pillars for the Temple and to craft musical instruments for worship. This highlights how God values beauty and excellence in places set apart for Him.
When we consider these verses, we see that luxury is not forbidden but can be offered back to God as an act of reverence. The wood’s uniqueness reminds us that our worship should reflect the best of what we have, honoring the One who provides all good things.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- almug<s>2×
- the/ almug<s>1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/אַלְמֻגִּ֜ים1×
- אַלְמֻגִּים֙1×
- אַלְמֻגִּ֛ים1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 10:11
The fleet of Hiram that brought gold from Ophir also brought in from Ophir great quantities of almug trees and precious stones.
This verse establishes the origin and rarity of almug trees by linking them to Hiram’s fleet from Ophir, showing they were exotic imports rather than local resources.
-
I Kings 10:12
The king made of the almug trees pillars for Yahweh’s house and for the king’s house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers; no such almug trees came or were seen to this day.
Here the wood is repurposed for sacred use in pillars and instruments, emphasizing its value not just as material wealth but as a medium for praising God.