כְּסַף (ke.saph)
ke.saph
silver
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 13 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun keseph refers to silver, a precious metal that served as both currency and raw material in the ancient Near East. It appears in about thirteen verses, with a notable concentration in the books of Ezra and Daniel. In these contexts, it is not merely a decorative element but a functional commodity used for trade, tribute, or payment.
The sources distinguish between silver as a physical metal and silver as money. This dual meaning reflects its practical role: it was weighed out for transactions yet also crafted into vessels or ornaments. When Ezra records the return of temple articles, keseph describes the silver objects themselves; in other passages, it functions as the standard unit of value.
Its limited occurrence outside these books highlights its specific literary function rather than a broad theological metaphor. Translators consistently render it as "silver," preserving the concrete reality of the word. The term anchors narratives in the tangible economy of the time, reminding readers that faith and history unfolded within real material conditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Silver in Scripture often appears as a tangible bridge between the divine and the daily world. In Ezra, it represents the restored worship of God, where precious vessels return to Jerusalem after exile. This reminds us that our material resources can serve holy purposes when dedicated to God’s house.
In Daniel, silver forms part of a great image representing human kingdoms. Its beauty and value are real, yet they are ultimately temporary compared to God’s eternal kingdom. The stone that destroys the statue shows that no earthly wealth lasts forever.
When we consider silver today, it invites us to think about what we value. It is not just metal or money, but a tool for generosity and worship. We can offer our gifts with the same diligence as Ezra’s leaders, trusting God to use them for good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 13 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ <the>/ silver4×
- silver/ the3×
- silver3×
- with/ silver/ the1×
- [the] silver1×
- <the>/ silver1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כַּסְפָּ֣/א2×
- כְּסַ֣ף2×
- וְ/כַסְפָּ/א֒2×
- כַּסְפָּ֥/א1×
- כְּסַף֮1×
- כַסְפָּֽ/א\־1×
- כְסַ֑ף1×
- וְ/כַסְפָּ֛/א1×
- וְ/כַסְפָּ֔/א1×
- בְּ/כַסְפָּ֣/א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 7:15
and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,
This verse highlights silver as a voluntary offering from the king and counselors, showing how resources can be freely given to support God’s work in Jerusalem.
-
Daniel 2:35
Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors. The wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them. The stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth.
Here silver is part of a statue that is shattered by God’s stone, illustrating that even the most valuable human achievements are temporary and subject to God’s judgment.
-
Daniel 5:4
They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of bronze, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
The use of silver vessels for idolatrous praise contrasts sharply with their earlier sacred purpose, warning against misusing holy things for selfish or false ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word keseph mean in the Bible?
Why is silver mentioned so often in Ezra?
How does silver relate to idolatry in Daniel?
Every Occurrence (13 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 7 verses
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 6:5Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem…
Ezra 7:15and to carry the silver and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose…
Ezra 7:16and all the silver and gold that you will find in all the province of Babylon, with the free will offering of the…
Ezra 7:17Therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, and lambs with their meal offerings and their…
Ezra 7:18Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to…
Ezra 7:22up to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred cors of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one…