Electrum is a rendering connected with the bright metal seen in Ezekiel’s visions. It has been understood as a shining metal, possibly an alloy of gold and silver, rather than ordinary amber.
Definition
Electrum is a rendering associated with the bright, shining substance seen in Ezekiel’s visions. It has been understood as a remarkable metal, possibly a compound of gold and silver, rather than ordinary amber. The term therefore describes brightness and polished appearance more than a securely identified material.
Biblical Usage
Electrum is used in the Revised Version margin for the Hebrew word in Ezekiel 1:4, 27 and 8:2. Other versions render the substance “amber” or “glowing metal,” with “glowing metal” regarded in the supplied account as the more accurate rendering.
Historical Background
The Septuagint uses elektron and the Vulgate uses electrum. Gesenius argued that the word should not be understood as amber but as a bright kind of metal; the Hebrew term is also described as meaning polished brass.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e-lek'-trum:</p><p>The Revised Version, margin rendering of chashmal, of Eze 1:4,27; 8:2 Septuagint elektron, Vulgate (Jerome's Latin Bible, 390-405 AD.) electrum). Both the King James Version and the English Revised Version have "amber" while the American Standard Revised Version has "glowing metal." Gesenius says electrum must not be understood as being here used for amber, but for a kind of metal remarkable for brightness, compounded of gold and silver. "Amber" is undoubtedly a poor rendering, as the Hebrew term means "polished brass." the American Standard Revised Version has the more correct rendering. Amber, however, may well have been known to Ezekiel (Encyclopaedia Biblica, which see).</p><p>See also STONES, PRECIOUS; BUYING, IV.</p><p>A. W. Fortune</p>
