(1.) Hebrews zahab, so called from its yellow colour (Exodus 25:11; 1 Chronicles 28:18; 2 Chronicles 3:5).

(2.) Hebrews segor, from its compactness, or as being enclosed or treasured up; thus precious or "fine gold" (1 Kings 6:20; 7:49).

(3.) Hebrews paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Psalm 19:10; 21:3, etc.).

(4.) Hebrews betzer, "ore of gold or silver" as dug out of the mine (Job 36:19, where it means simply riches).

(5.) Hebrews kethem, i.e., something concealed or separated (Job 28:16, 19; Psalm 45:9; Proverbs 25:12). Rendered "golden wedge" in Isaiah 13:12.

(6.) Hebrews haruts, i.e., dug out; poetic for gold (Proverbs 8:10; 16:16; 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; Dan. 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; 10:1; Job 28:16), but not in Palestine.

In Dan. 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).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) Alt. of Goolde.

2. (n.) A metallic element, constituting the most precious metal used as a common commercial medium of exchange. It has a characteristic yellow color, is one of the heaviest substances known (specific gravity 19.32), is soft, and very malleable and ductile. It is quite unalterable by heat, moisture, and most corrosive agents, and therefore well suited for its use in coin and jewelry. Symbol Au (Aurum). Atomic weight 196.7.

3. (v. t.) Money; riches; wealth.

4. (n.) A yellow color, like that of the metal; as, a flower tipped with gold.

5. (v. t.) Figuratively, something precious or pure; as, hearts of gold.