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כֶּ֫תֶם (ke.tem)

ke.tem

gold

H3800 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 8 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
8 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Definition

Definition

gold, pure gold

Brown-Driver-Briggs

כֶּ֫תֶם n.m. gold, poet. and late

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

gold, pure gold

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Gold often represents value, purity, and enduring worth in Scripture. When we see this word used, it usually points to something precious that cannot be easily replaced. It reminds us that true value is not always found in what is common or easily obtained.

In our daily lives, we might chase after things that seem valuable but fade away. This word invites us to consider what truly lasts. Just as gold is refined by fire, our character and faith are often strengthened through challenges. We are encouraged to seek wisdom and integrity, which are far more precious than metal.

Thinking about this helps us place our trust in what is eternal. Instead of worrying about temporary wealth, we can focus on building a life rooted in truth. This perspective brings peace, knowing that our deepest hopes rest in something solid and unchanging.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • with/ [the] gold of1×
  • the/ gold1×
  • pure gold1×
  • more than/ [the] gold of1×
  • in/ gold1×
  • in/ [the] gold of1×
  • and/ to <the>/ pure gold1×
  • [is] gold of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • בְּ/כֶ֥תֶם2×
  • מִ/כֶּ֥תֶם1×
  • כֶּ֣תֶם1×
  • כָ֑תֶם1×
  • וְ֝/לַ/כֶּ֗תֶם1×
  • הַ/כֶּ֣תֶם1×
  • בְּ/כֶ֣תֶם1×

Key Verses

  • Job 28:16
    It can’t be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

    This verse highlights the impossibility of purchasing wisdom with gold, showing its supreme value over material wealth.

  • Proverbs 25:12
    As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

    Here, gold is used to illustrate how precious and beautiful wise correction is when received with humility.

  • Lamentations 4:1
    How the gold has become dim! The most pure gold has changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.

    The dimming of this gold symbolizes the loss of Jerusalem's glory and the sorrow of its destruction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word ke.tem mean?

It simply means gold. In the Old Testament, it is used to describe precious metal used for jewelry, temple items, and as a measure of value.

How is gold used symbolically in the Bible?

Gold often represents purity, wealth, and divine glory. For example, in Proverbs 25:12, it illustrates the beauty of wise advice. In Lamentations 4:1, its loss reflects national tragedy.

Why is gold mentioned in Job 28?

Job 28 uses gold to show that wisdom cannot be bought with any amount of wealth. It emphasizes that true understanding comes from God alone, not from material riches.

Every Occurrence (8 verses across 6 books)