Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, metals are frequently mentioned and hold significant symbolic and practical importance. They are often associated with wealth, strength, and divine craftsmanship. The primary metals referenced in the Scriptures include gold, silver, bronze, iron, and lead.Gold Gold is the most frequently mentioned metal in the Bible and is often associated with wealth, purity, and divinity. It was used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple. In Exodus 25:11, God commands Moses to overlay the Ark of the Covenant with pure gold. Gold's purity and value make it a symbol of God's holiness and the preciousness of faith. In Revelation 21:18, the New Jerusalem is described as being made of pure gold, reflecting its divine perfection. Silver Silver is another precious metal mentioned in the Bible, often symbolizing redemption and purity. It was used in the Tabernacle for various purposes, including the making of sockets for the pillars (Exodus 26:19). Silver also served as currency, as seen in the betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:15). This metal's use in transactions and offerings underscores its value and role in the economy of ancient Israel. Bronze Bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, is frequently mentioned in the context of strength and durability. It was used in the construction of the Tabernacle's altar and other furnishings (Exodus 27:1-6). The "bronze serpent" crafted by Moses, as recorded in Numbers 21:9, served as a means of healing for the Israelites, prefiguring Christ's redemptive work. Bronze's resilience makes it a fitting symbol of God's enduring strength and judgment. Iron Iron is often associated with strength and power in the Bible. It was used for tools, weapons, and various implements. In Deuteronomy 3:11, Og, king of Bashan, is described as having an iron bed, emphasizing his might. Iron's strength is also used metaphorically to describe the oppressive rule of certain empires, as in Daniel 2:40, where the fourth kingdom is likened to iron that crushes and shatters all things. Lead Lead is mentioned less frequently but is noted for its weight and density. In Ezekiel 22:18, God compares the house of Israel to dross, including lead, in a furnace, symbolizing impurity and the need for purification. Lead's heaviness and low melting point make it a symbol of sin's burden and the refining process necessary for spiritual purification. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance Metals in the Bible often carry deep symbolic meanings. Gold and silver are associated with purity, value, and divine attributes, while bronze and iron represent strength and judgment. The refining process of metals is frequently used as a metaphor for spiritual purification and testing. In Malachi 3:3, God is described as a refiner and purifier of silver, illustrating His work in sanctifying His people. The use of metals in biblical narratives and instructions reflects their importance in ancient society and their enduring spiritual symbolism. From the construction of sacred spaces to the depiction of divine attributes, metals serve as powerful symbols of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An elementary substance, as sodium, calcium, or copper, whose oxide or hydroxide has basic rather than acid properties, as contrasted with the nonmetals, or metalloids. No sharp line can be drawn between the metals and nonmetals, and certain elements partake of both acid and basic qualities, as chromium, manganese, bismuth, etc.2. (n.) Ore from which a metal is derived; -- so called by miners. 3. (n.) A mine from which ores are taken. 4. (n.) The substance of which anything is made; material; hence, constitutional disposition; character; temper. 5. (n.) Courage; spirit; mettle. See Mettle. 6. (n.) The broken stone used in macadamizing roads and ballasting railroads. 7. (n.) The effective power or caliber of guns carried by a vessel of war. 8. (n.) Glass in a state of fusion. 9. (n.) The rails of a railroad. 10. (v. t.) To cover with metal; as, to metal a ship's bottom; to metal a road. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia METALmet'-al (chashmal; elektron; the King James Version amber; Ezekiel 8:2, the Revised Version margin "amber"): The substance here intended is a matter of great uncertainty. In Egypt bronze was, called chesmen, which may be connected with the Hebrew chashmal; the Greek elektron too has generally been accepted as an alloy of gold or silver or other metals, but this is far from certain. Professor Ridgeway (EB, I, cols. 134-36) has conclusively shown, however, that amber was well known in early times and that there is nothing archaeologically improbable in the reading of the King James Version. METAL WORKING See CRAFTS, 10; MINING. Greek 5471. chalkeus -- a worker in metal ... a worker in metal. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: chalkeus Phonetic Spelling: (khalk-yooce') Short Definition: a worker in brass or copper ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5471.htm - 6k 696. arguros -- silver 5557. chrusos -- gold 3148. mastix -- a whip, scourge 5553. chrusion -- a piece of gold, gold 2072. esoptron -- a mirror (ie an object for looking into) 5475. chalkos -- copper or bronze 5474. chalkolibanon -- chalcolibanus (fine copper, bronze or brass ... Strong's Hebrew 6826. tsippuy -- (metal) plating... 6825, 6826. tsippuy. 6827 . (metal) plating. Transliteration: tsippuy Phonetic Spelling: (tsip-poo'-ee) Short Definition: overlaying. ... /hebrew/6826.htm - 6k 4541a. massekah -- a libation, molten metal or image 6341b. pach -- a plate (of metal) 5777. ophereth -- lead (a metal) 4300. metil -- a wrought metal rod 4541. maccekah -- a libation, molten metal or image 2830. chashmal -- perhaps amber 8210. shaphak -- to pour out, pour 4166. mutseqeth -- a pipe, casting 3332. yatsaq -- to pour, cast, flow Library Subterraneous Places. Mines. Caves. But Unbelievers Cry, "How Can the Flesh, which Has Been Putrified ... A Caution to the Presumptuous Fire and Anvil for Leaders. But this Material May be Differently Arranged in the Resurrection ... Folly of Idolatry. Folly of Idolatry. Of the Righteous and Unrighteous Passion of Wrath. Mahometanism; Image-Worship (Ad 612-794) Of the Way to Attain Divine Union Thesaurus Metal (69 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Ore from which a metal is derived; -- so called by miners. ... 10. (vt) To cover with metal; as, to metal a ship's bottom; to metal a road. Int. ... /m/metal.htm - 30k Metal-workers (5 Occurrences) Metal-worker (3 Occurrences) Metal-tester's (1 Occurrence) Pictured (26 Occurrences) Plating (13 Occurrences) Plate (34 Occurrences) Liquid (15 Occurrences) Copper (55 Occurrences) Gate (248 Occurrences) Resources Is listening to Christian heavy metal music wrong? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of dross in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a graven image? | GotQuestions.org Metal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Metal (69 Occurrences)Exodus 25:31 Exodus 25:36 Exodus 32:4 Exodus 32:8 Exodus 34:17 Exodus 37:17 Exodus 37:22 Leviticus 19:4 Numbers 33:52 Deuteronomy 9:12 Deuteronomy 9:16 Deuteronomy 27:15 Judges 17:2 Judges 17:4 Judges 18:14 Judges 18:17 Judges 18:18 1 Samuel 17:5 1 Samuel 17:38 1 Samuel 17:39 1 Samuel 17:54 1 Kings 7:23 1 Kings 7:24 1 Kings 7:30 1 Kings 7:33 1 Kings 7:39 1 Kings 7:46 1 Kings 10:25 1 Kings 14:9 2 Kings 17:16 2 Chronicles 4:2 2 Chronicles 4:3 2 Chronicles 4:17 2 Chronicles 9:24 2 Chronicles 26:14 2 Chronicles 28:2 2 Chronicles 34:3 2 Chronicles 34:4 Nehemiah 4:16 Nehemiah 9:18 Job 37:18 Job 38:38 Job 40:24 Psalms 106:19 Psalms 119:119 Isaiah 1:22 Isaiah 1:25 Isaiah 41:7 Isaiah 41:29 Isaiah 42:17 Isaiah 44:10 Isaiah 44:12 Isaiah 48:5 Jeremiah 6:29 Jeremiah 10:14 Jeremiah 51:3 Jeremiah 51:17 Ezekiel 1:4 Ezekiel 1:27 Ezekiel 8:2 Ezekiel 22:18 Ezekiel 22:19 Ezekiel 23:24 Ezekiel 38:5 Daniel 11:8 Hosea 13:2 Nahum 1:14 Nahum 2:3 Habakkuk 2:18 Subtopics Related Terms |