Strong's Lexicon matsreph: Crucible, refining pot Original Word: מִצְרֵף Word Origin: From the root verb צָרַף (tsaraph), meaning "to smelt" or "to refine." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Greek equivalent for "matsreph," the concept of refining and testing is present in the New Testament. For example, the Greek word δοκιμάζω (dokimazo, Strong's G1381) means "to test" or "to approve," often used in the context of proving or refining one's faith (e.g., 1 Peter 1:7). Usage: The term "matsreph" refers to a crucible or refining pot used for melting and purifying metals. In the biblical context, it is often used metaphorically to describe the process of refining or testing, particularly in relation to the human heart or character. The imagery of a crucible is employed to illustrate how God tests and purifies His people, removing impurities and strengthening their faith. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient metallurgy, a crucible was an essential tool for refining metals such as gold and silver. The process involved heating the metal to a high temperature to separate impurities, resulting in a purer and more valuable product. This practice was well-known in the ancient Near East and served as a powerful metaphor for spiritual purification and testing. The concept of refining through fire is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing God's sanctifying work in the lives of His people. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaraph Definition a crucible NASB Translation crucible (1), refining pot (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַצְרֵף noun [masculine] crucible (properly place or instrument of refining); לַכֶּסֶף וְכוּר לַזָּהָב ׳מ Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 27:21. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fining pot From tsaraph; a crucible -- fining pot. see HEBREW tsaraph Forms and Transliterations מַצְרֵ֣ף מצרף maṣ·rêp̄ maṣrêp̄ matzRefLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 17:3 HEB: מַצְרֵ֣ף לַ֭כֶּסֶף וְכ֣וּר NAS: The refining pot is for silver KJV: The fining pot [is] for silver, INT: the refining silver and the furnace Proverbs 27:21 2 Occurrences |