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אַלְמֻגִּים

𐤀𐤋𐤌𐤂𐤉𐤌

ʼalmuggîym

H484 noun

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain uncertain, possibly to bend or to be strong/resilient (if connected to a root meaning), but more likely a loanword for a specific exotic wood

Definition

A type of valuable, imported wood or tree mentioned primarily in the context of Solomon's building projects and furnishings, particularly in connection with the construction of the Temple and the royal palace. The precise botanical identification is uncertain but generally thought to refer to a rare and costly timber, traditionally associated with sandalwood or a similar durable aromatic wood. Used in the construction of steps, supports, and musical instruments.

Semantic Range

sandalwood, almug wood, a rare imported timber, possibly red or scented wood, used for construction, craftsmanship, and musical instruments

Root / Etymology

Foreign loanword; root uncertain. The word plausibly reflects an imported term for an exotic timber not native to the land of Israel. Possible cognates with Sanskrit 'valguka' (sandalwood), but etymology remains unconfirmed.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Occurs exclusively in 1 Kings 10:11–12 and 2 Chronicles 2:8; 9:10–11, always in the plural. The wood is described as originating from Ophir—a region renowned for luxury imports—which underscores its status as a rare and highly prized commodity in the ancient Near East. Its exact identification is disputed: traditional interpretations suggest it refers to red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) or another fine East Indian hardwood, but some propose a local species of juniper or pine. Compare אָרְזִים ('cedars') and בְּרוֹשִׁים ('firs'), more common terms for woods in the Hebrew Bible, which are native rather than imported. Later Greek and Latin translations sometimes render ʼalmuggîm as 'balsam trees' or 'pine,' reflecting historical uncertainties in identification. The term does not carry cultural or religious connotations beyond its use in high-quality craftsmanship and temple/royal architecture.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably of foreign derivation (used thus only in the plural); almug (i.e. probably sandle-wood) sticks; almug trees. Compare אַלְגּוּמִּים.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אלמג (uncertain, loanword) (ʾ-l-m-g (uncertain)) — exotic imported timber, valuable hardwood

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H484-01 אַלְמֻגִּ֛ים alemugim HNcmpa almug almug timbers 2
H484-02 הָ/אַלְמֻגִּ֜ים haalemugim HTd/Ncmpa the almug the almug timbers 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H484-01 1 Kings 10:11 אַלְמֻגִּ֛ים alemugim HNcmpa almug wood almug timbers
H484-02 1 Kings 10:12 הָ/אַלְמֻגִּ֜ים haalemugim HTd/Ncmpa the almug the almug timbers
H484-01 1 Kings 10:12 אַלְמֻגִּים֙ alemugim HNcmpa almug almug timbers
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