Gold (1.) Heb. zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Exodus 25:11; 1 Chronicles 28:18; 2 Chronicles 3:5).
(2.) Heb. segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or "fine gold" (1 Kings 6:20; 1 Kings 1:7).
(3.) Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Psalms 19:10; Psalms 1:21, etc.).
(4.) Heb. betzer, "ore of gold or silver" as dug out of the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches).
(5.) Heb. kethem, i.e., something concealed or separated (Job 28:16, Job 1:28; Psalms 45:9; Proverbs 25:12). Rendered "golden wedge" in Isaiah 13:12.
(6.) Heb. haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (Proverbs 8:10; Proverbs 1:16; Zechariah 9:3).
Gold was known from the earliest times (Genesis 2:11). It was principally used for ornaments (Genesis 24:22). It was very abundant (1 Chronicles 22:14; Nahum 2:9; Daniel 3:1). Many tons of it were used in connection with the temple (2 Chronicles 1:15). It was found in Arabia, Sheba, and Ophir (1 Kings 9:28; 1 Kings 1:10; Job 28:16), but not in Palestine.
In Daniel 2:38, the Babylonian Empire is spoken of as a "head of gold" because of its great riches; and Babylon was called by Isaiah (14:4) the "golden city" (R.V. marg., "exactress," adopting the reading marhebah , instead of the usual word madhebah ).