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; 7:49).
3. Heb. paz, native or pure gold (Job 28:17; Psalm 19:10; 21:3, 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 28:16,19; Psalm 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; 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; 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; 10:1; 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 (Daniel 14:4) the "golden city" (R.V. marg., "exactress," adopting the reading marhebah, instead of the usual word madhebah).