Lexical Summary pazaz: To be supple, agile, or nimble Original Word: פָזַז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance refineA primitive root; to refine (gold) -- best (gold). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to be refined NASB Translation refined (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [מָּזַז] verb Hoph`al be refined (?) (dubious √); — Participle זָהָב מוּפָ֑ז 1 Kings 10:18 refined gold (si vera lectio; — ᵐ5 δόκιμος, "" 2 Chronicles 9:17 טָהוֺר). Topical Lexicon Root Idea: Purity IntensifiedThe verb פָזַז is built on the noun “paz” (fine, refined gold). By adding verbal force, Scripture conveys an action that brings ordinary material into the highest possible state of excellence. It is a word of transformation—raw ivory becomes regal when it is “pazaz-ed.” Biblical Occurrence and Context 1 Kings 10:18 records King Solomon crafting “a great ivory throne and overlaying it with refined gold.” The verb signals more than a thin gilding; Solomon ordered the throne to be saturated with the costliest metal known in Israel’s world. The throne’s magnificence matches the surrounding narrative of unparalleled prosperity (1 Kings 10:14-29) and answers God’s promise that wisdom, when prized above riches, will nonetheless bring riches in its train (1 Kings 3:12-13). Historical Significance 1. Royal protocol. Ancient Near Eastern monarchs displayed power through sumptuous materials. Solomon’s use of “pazaz” places Israel’s king on a par with—indeed above—neighboring kings, confirming the covenant ideal that obedience brings exaltation among the nations (Deuteronomy 26:18-19). 2. Temple parallels. The same chapter (1 Kings 10) immediately follows the dedication of the temple (1 Kings 8). Just as much of the sanctuary furniture was overlaid with pure gold (Exodus 25-27), the throne room echoes the holiness motif: the king, seated as Yahweh’s vice-regent, governs from a setting that visually harmonizes with God’s own dwelling. Theological and Typological Insights • Kingship under God. Solomon’s golden throne foreshadows the Messianic rule. Psalm 45:6-7 speaks of an eternal throne, Isaiah 9:6-7 of endless increase. The verb’s rarity heightens its force: a once-used word for a once-in-history king pointing to the once-for-all King. • Refinement and sanctification. Just as ivory is enveloped in gold, believers are clothed with Christ’s righteousness (Galatians 3:27). The verb implies a covering so complete that the underlying material is hidden by glory—an image of justification and future glorification (Romans 8:30). Ministry Applications 1. Worship aesthetics. While the New Covenant no longer requires precious metals for legitimacy (John 4:24), the impulse behind “pazaz” encourages excellence in whatever resources the church offers to God—music, craftsmanship, liturgy—so that form reflects the worth of the Object worshiped. 2. Stewardship and generosity. Solomon’s throne was not mere ostentation; it testified to God’s faithfulness. Ministries today steward resources not to exalt leaders but to showcase divine grace (2 Corinthians 9:11-13). 3. Personal holiness. The process hinted in פָזַז invites believers to submit to the Refiner’s fire (Malachi 3:3). Just as the gold overlay hid imperfections, the Spirit works to conform saints to the image of Christ until “we shall be like Him” (1 John 3:2). Related Scriptural Motifs • Tabernacle and temple gold overlay: Exodus 25:11, 1 Kings 6:20-22 Summary פָזַז encapsulates the Bible’s vision of ordinary substance transfigured into extraordinary splendor, centering on Solomon’s throne yet resonating throughout redemptive history. It calls God’s people to reflect His surpassing excellence in worship, service, and life, anticipating the day when all creation will be overlaid with His glory. Forms and Transliterations מוּפָֽז׃ מופז׃ mū·p̄āz muFaz mūp̄āzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 10:18 HEB: וַיְצַפֵּ֖הוּ זָהָ֥ב מוּפָֽז׃ NAS: and overlaid it with refined gold. KJV: and overlaid it with the best gold. INT: and overlaid gold refined 1 Occurrence |
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