סְגוֹר (se.gor)
se.gor
enclosure
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun segor primarily denotes an enclosure or encasement, referring to a space that is closed off or secured. While its literal sense involves physical boundaries, the word carries a specific technical meaning in biblical texts: fine gold. This usage appears in contexts where precious metals are described as being contained within vessels or structures, highlighting both the value of the material and the security of its storage.
In the Old Testament, this term is rare, occurring only twice, notably in the book of Job. The sources indicate that when used for gold, it emphasizes the refined and enclosed nature of the metal, often implying purity through containment. This dual meaning allows translators to distinguish between a general barrier and the specific substance of fine gold, depending on the surrounding context.
The connection between enclosure and fine gold suggests a conceptual link where value is preserved by being sealed away. In Job, this usage underscores the preciousness of wisdom or righteousness, which, like fine gold, is hidden or enclosed within the heart or the divine plan. The word thus serves as a concrete image for something valuable that is kept safe from external corruption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word segor describes an enclosure, a space sealed off to keep what is inside safe from the outside world. In the ancient mind, value was often protected by being hidden away. This concept appears in Job, where fine gold is described as something enclosed or refined, set apart from common use. It suggests that true worth is not always on display but is preserved securely.
For your faith, this offers a gentle reminder about the nature of wisdom and righteousness. Like precious metal kept in a sealed vessel, your inner life with God may be hidden from public view, yet it is being protected and refined. You do not need to expose every struggle or virtue to prove its value. What is kept safe in Your presence is precisely what matters most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- fine gold1×
- [the] cavity of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- סְג֣וֹר2×
Key Verses
-
Job 28:15
It can’t be gotten for gold, neither will silver be weighed for its price.
This verse uses the term for fine gold, emphasizing that true wisdom cannot be bought or secured by ordinary means of wealth.
-
Hosea 13:8
I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs, and will tear the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lioness. The wild animal will tear them.
Here the word refers to a covering or enclosure, used metaphorically to describe the tearing away of protection from those who have rejected God.