What does the Bible say about silver?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible presents silver as a valuable earthly resource, useful in trade and wealth, yet especially powerful as an image of God’s refining judgment and purifying grace. Genesis 13:2 notes Abraham’s riches, and Ezekiel 27:12 reflects silver’s place in commerce among the nations. Proverbs 17:3 and 25:4 compare the refining of silver to the Lord’s testing and cleansing of human hearts, while Proverbs 26:23 warns that outward brightness can conceal deceitful motives. Jeremiah 6:29-30 and Ezekiel 22:18-22 portray corrupt people as dross requiring God’s severe refining fire. Zechariah 13:9 and Malachi 3:3 give hope that the Lord purifies His people so they may belong to Him and offer righteous worship.
Study outline
Curated topical outlines from classic public-domain study works.
Nave's Topical Bible
- From Tarshish Ezekiel 27:12
- Refining of Proverbs 17:3; Proverbs 25:4; Proverbs 26:23; Ezekiel 22:18-22; Jeremiah 6:29; Jeremiah 6:30; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:3
- See REFINING
- Used for money Genesis 13:2; Genesis 17:12; Genesis 20:16; Genesis 23:13-16; Amos 8:6; Matthew 10:9; Matthew 26:15; Mark 14:11; Acts 19:19
- See MONEY
- For ornamentation of, and in the manufacture of, the utensils for the tabernacle Exodus 26:19; Exodus 27:17; Exodus 35:24; Exodus 36:24; Exodus 38:25; Numbers 7:13; Numbers 7:19; Numbers 7:25; Numbers 7:31; Numbers 7:37; Numbers 7:43; Numbers 7:49
- Of the temple 1 Chronicles 28:14; 1 Chronicles 29:2-5; Ezra 5:14; Ezra 6:5; Ezra 8:26; Daniel 5:2
- Cups made of Genesis 44:2
- Trumpets Numbers 10:2
- Cords Ecclesiastes 12:6
- Chains Isaiah 40:19
- Shrines Acts 19:24
- Idols Exodus 20:23; Isaiah 30:22; Hosea 13:2
- Baskets (R. V.), or filigree (margin, R. V.) Proverbs 25:11
- Jewels Song of Solomon 1:11
- See JEWELS
- Palace Song of Solomon 8:9
- Vessels of Numbers 7:85; 1 Kings 10:25; 2 Samuel 8:10; 2 Kings 12:13; 1 Chronicles 18:10; 2 Chronicles 24:14; Ezra 1:6; Ezra 5:14; Ezra 6:5; Ezra 8:26; Daniel 5:2; Daniel 11:8
- Abundance of 1 Kings 10:27; 1 Chronicles 22:14; 1 Chronicles 29:2-7; 2 Chronicles 1:15; Ecclesiastes 2:8; Isaiah 2:7
- Dross from Proverbs 25:4; Proverbs 26:23
- Reprobate Jeremiah 6:30
- Workers in 2 Chronicles 2:14; Acts 19:24
- See SMITH
- See MONEY
- SYMBOLICAL Daniel 2:32; Daniel 2:35
Torrey's New Topical Textbook
- Veins of, found in the earth Job 28:1
- Generally found in an impure state Proverbs 25:4
- Comparative value of Isaiah 60:17
- Described as
- White and shining Psalms 68:13; Psalms 68:14
- Fusible Ezekiel 22:20; Ezekiel 22:22
- Malleable Jeremiah 10:9
- Purified by fire Proverbs 17:3; Zechariah 13:9
- Purified, called
- Refined silver 1 Chronicles 29:4
- Choice silver Proverbs 8:19
- Tarshish carried on extensive commerce in Jeremiah 10:9; Ezekiel 27:12
- The patriarchs rich in Genesis 13:2; Genesis 24:35
- Used as money from the earliest times Genesis 23:15; Genesis 23:16; Genesis 37:28; 1 Kings 16:24
- Very abundant in the reign of Solomon 1 Kings 10:21; 1 Kings 10:22; 1 Kings 10:27; 2 Chronicles 9:20; 2 Chronicles 9:21; 2 Chronicles 9:27
- The working in, a trade Acts 19:24
- Made into
- Cups Genesis 44:2
- Dishes Numbers 7:13; Numbers 7:84; Numbers 7:85
- Bowls Numbers 7:13; Numbers 7:84
- Thin plates Jeremiah 10:9
- Chains Isaiah 40:19
- Wires (alluded to) Ecclesiastes 12:6
- Sockets for the boards of the tabernacle Exodus 26:19; Exodus 26:25; Exodus 26:32; Exodus 36:24; Exodus 36:26; Exodus 36:30; Exodus 36:36
- Ornaments and hooks for the pillars of the tabernacle Exodus 27:17; Exodus 38:19
- Candlesticks 1 Chronicles 28:15
- Tables 1 Chronicles 28:16
- Beds or couches Esther 1:6
- Vessels 2 Samuel 8:10; Ezra 6:5
- Idols Psalms 115:4; Isaiah 2:20; Isaiah 30:22
- Ornaments for the person Exodus 3:22
- Given by the Israelite for making the tabernacle Exodus 25:3; Exodus 35:24
- Given by David and his subjects for making the temple 1 Chronicles 28:14; 1 Chronicles 29:2; 1 Chronicles 29:6-9
- Taken in war often consecrated to God Joshua 6:19; 2 Samuel 8:11; 1 Kings 15:15
- Taken in war purified by fire Numbers 31:22; Numbers 31:23
- Often given as presents 1 Kings 10:25; 2 Kings 5:5; 2 Kings 5:23
- Tribute often paid in 2 Chronicles 17:11; Nehemiah 5:15
- Illustrative
- Of the words of the Lord Psalms 12:6
- Of the tongue of the just Proverbs 10:20
Showing the first 40 headings of this outline.
Go deeper
Ask Explain Bible AI about silver and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.
Ask what the Bible says about silver