Original Word: פָז
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: paz
Pronunciation: pahz
Phonetic Spelling: (pawz)
KJV: fine (pure) gold
NASB: fine gold, pure gold
Word Origin: [from H6338 (פָּזַז - refined)]

1. pure (gold)
2. (hence) gold itself (as refined)

fine pure gold

From pazaz; pure (gold); hence, gold itself (as refined) -- fine (pure) gold.

see HEBREW pazaz

Word Origin
from pazaz
Definition
refined, pure gold
NASB Translation
fine gold (5), pure gold (4).

מַּז noun masculine^{Psalm 19:11} refined, pure gold (Talmud מִּיזָּא; ᵑ7 מִּיזּוּזָא); — עֲטֶרֶת מָּ֑ז Psalm 21:4; in comparison of value or beauty: Lamentations 4:2, ׳אַדְנֵיפֿ Songs 5:15; "" (or +) זהב Job 28:17 (׳כְּלִיפֿ), Psalm 19:11 (+ רָ֑ב), Psalm 119:127; "" כֶּתֶם Isaiah 13:12, compare ׳כֶּתֶם פ Songs 5:11; + חָרוּץ Proverbs 8:19.

Occurrences and Literary Context

The word פָז appears nine times in Scripture, each occurrence situated in poetry or prophetic discourse. It surfaces in Wisdom books (Job 28:17; Proverbs 8:19), Psalms of praise and petition (Psalm 19:10; Psalm 21:3; Psalm 119:127), the bridal poetry of Song of Songs (5:11; 5:15), an oracle of judgment (Isaiah 13:12), and a lament over Jerusalem’s ruin (Lamentations 4:2). In every setting it represents the highest grade of gold, immediately evoking notions of rarity, purity, beauty, and uncompromised value.

Symbol of Purity and Rarity

Gold in general is a universally recognized standard of wealth, yet פָז denotes gold that has been thoroughly refined. Scripture employs it to express what is both precious and uncommon. Isaiah 13:12 warns that judgment will render humanity “scarcer than pure gold,” highlighting the devastating severity of divine wrath. Conversely, Psalm 19:10 praises the ordinances of the LORD: “They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold,” elevating the perfect revelation of God above even the most treasured earthly substance.

Association with Divine Revelation

Where פָז appears, it often stands in deliberate contrast to spiritual realities. Job 28:17 declares that “no exchange can be made for wisdom in jewels of fine gold,” placing heavenly wisdom beyond material appraisal. Psalm 119:127 echoes the same theme: “Therefore I love Your commandments more than gold, even the purest gold.” Thus, pure gold becomes the benchmark by which the superiority of God’s word is measured.

Messianic and Royal Connotations

Psalm 21:3 records that the king receives “a crown of pure gold,” signifying honor bestowed by God Himself. Song of Songs, a book replete with nuptial imagery pointing forward to Christ and His Church, twice likens the Beloved to fine gold (5:11, 5:15). The beloved bridegroom’s “head is purest gold,” conveying regal dignity and moral perfection—traits ultimately embodied in the Messiah.

Moral and Spiritual Value in Wisdom Literature

Proverbs 8:19 places the fruits of wisdom above material gain: “My fruit is better than gold, pure gold.” By comparing wisdom to פָז, the text invites believers to invest in character and understanding rather than transient riches. The passage functions not merely as advice but as divine mandate to prioritize what is eternally profitable.

Prophetic and Lament Imagery

In Lamentations 4:2 the “precious sons of Zion” were once esteemed like פָז but are now treated like common clay. The stark reversal underscores the tragedy of covenant unfaithfulness. Yet—even in lament—paz retains its connotation of intrinsic worth, implying that restoration is both possible and desirable when the people return to covenant loyalty.

Typological and Christological Insights

Fine gold in the tabernacle and temple foreshadows an even greater glory in Christ, whose divine nature is without alloy. The New Jerusalem is described as pure gold (Revelation 21:18), and believers refined by trials (1 Peter 1:7) will share that brilliant purity. Every Old Testament reference to פָז therefore anticipates a consummation in which God’s people and God’s dwelling are flawlessly pure.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Scripture memorization and meditation should be pursued with greater eagerness than financial gain, following the pattern of Psalm 119:127.
• Preaching and teaching can employ the imagery of פָז to illustrate the surpassing value of the gospel over worldly wealth.
• Pastoral care for those suffering loss may draw on Lamentations 4:2, reminding believers that their worth in God’s sight is unchanged even amid outward ruin.
• Discipleship should emphasize purification through trials, encouraging saints that God’s refining purpose aims to produce faith “worth more than gold.”

בַּפָּ֑ז בפז וּמִפַּ֣ז וּמִפָּ֑ז וּמִפָּֽז׃ ומפז ומפז׃ מִפָּ֑ז מפז פָ֑ז פָּ֑ז פָּֽז׃ פָֽז׃ פז פז׃ bap·pāz bapPaz bappāz Faz mip·pāz mipPaz mippāz Paz pāz p̄āz ū·mip·paz ū·mip·pāz umipPaz ūmippaz ūmippāzInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts