Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Tin is a metal mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of metallurgy and trade. It is one of the metals that were known and utilized in ancient times, often in combination with other metals to create alloys such as bronze. The significance of tin in biblical times is largely tied to its role in the production of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, which was widely used for tools, weapons, and various artifacts.Biblical References: 1. Numbers 31:22 : "Only the gold, the silver, the bronze, the iron, the tin, and the lead—" This verse is part of the instructions given to the Israelites regarding the spoils of war. Tin is listed among the metals that were to be purified by fire, indicating its value and utility. 2. Ezekiel 22:18-20 : "Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; all of them are copper, tin, iron, and lead inside the furnace; they are the dross of silver. Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Because all of you have become dross, behold, I will gather you into Jerusalem. Just as one gathers silver, copper, iron, lead, and tin into the furnace to blow fire on it and to melt it, so I will gather you in My anger and wrath, and I will put you inside and melt you.’" In this passage, tin is mentioned metaphorically as part of the dross, or impurities, that God will purify from His people. The imagery of refining metals is used to describe God's judgment and purification process. Historical and Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, tin was a valuable commodity due to its role in the production of bronze. The process of alloying copper with tin to produce bronze was a significant technological advancement, leading to the Bronze Age. Tin was not as readily available as copper, making it a sought-after material in trade. Sources of tin in the ancient world included regions such as Cornwall in Britain, the Iberian Peninsula, and parts of Central Asia. The trade routes for tin were extensive, and the metal was often transported over long distances to meet the demands of various civilizations. The Phoenicians, known for their seafaring and trade, were instrumental in the distribution of tin throughout the Mediterranean region. Symbolism and Theological Implications: In the Bible, metals often carry symbolic meanings. Tin, when mentioned alongside other metals, can represent both value and impurity. The refining process, which involves removing dross from metals, is frequently used as a metaphor for spiritual purification and judgment. In Ezekiel, the reference to tin as part of the dross highlights the need for the Israelites to undergo a process of purification to remove their impurities and return to a state of righteousness before God. The use of tin in biblical texts underscores the broader theme of transformation and refinement, both in a physical and spiritual sense. The imagery of melting and refining metals serves as a powerful illustration of God's desire to purify His people and restore them to their intended purpose. Smith's Bible Dictionary TinAmong the various metals found in the spoils of the Midianites, tin is enumerated. (Numbers 31:22) It was known to the Hebrew metal-workers as an alloy of other metals. (Isaiah 1:25; Ezekiel 22:18,20) The markets of Tyre were supplied with it by the ships of Tarshish. (Ezekiel 27:12) It was used for plummets, (Zechariah 4:10) and was so plentiful as to furnish the writer of Ecclesiasticus, Ecclus. 47:18, with a figure by which to express the wealth of Solomon. Tin is not found in Palestine. Whence, then. did the ancient Hebrews obtain their supply "Only three countries are known to contain any considerable quantity of it: Spain and Portugal, Cornwall and the adjacent parts of Devonshire, and the islands of Junk, Ceylon and Banca, in the Straits of Malacca." (Kenrick, "Phoenicia," p. 212.) There call be little doubt that the mines of Britain were the chief source of supply to the ancient world, [See TARSHISH] ("Tin ore has lately been found in Midian." --Schaff.) ATS Bible Dictionary TinA metal known and used at an early period, Numbers 31:22, and brought by the Tyrians from Tarshish, Ezekiel 27:12. In Isaiah 1:25 it means the alloy of lead, tin, and other base admixtures in silver ore, separated from the pure silver by smelting. Easton's Bible Dictionary Hebrews bedil (Numbers 31:22; Ezek. 22:18, 20), a metal well known in ancient times. It is the general opinion that the Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon obtained their supplies of tin from the British Isles. In Ezek. 27:12 it is said to have been brought from Tarshish, which was probably a commercial emporium supplied with commodities from other places. In Isaiah 1:25 the word so rendered is generally understood of lead, the alloy with which the silver had become mixed (ver. 22). The fire of the Babylonish Captivity would be the means of purging out the idolatrous alloy that had corrupted the people. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An elementary substance found as an oxide in the mineral cassiterite, and reduced as a soft white crystalline metal, malleable at ordinary temperatures, but brittle when heated. It is not easily oxidized in the air, and is used chiefly to coat iron to protect it from rusting, in the form of tin foil with mercury to form the reflective surface of mirrors, and in solder, bronze, speculum metal, and other alloys. Its compounds are designated as stannous, or stannic. Symbol Sn (Stannum). Atomic weight 117.4.2. (n.) Thin plates of iron covered with tin; tin plate. 3. (n.) Money. 4. (v. t.) To cover with tin or tinned iron, or to overlay with tin foil. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TINtin (bedhil): Tin is mentioned with brass, iron and lead in Numbers 31:22 Ezekiel 22:18, 20. Ezekiel mentions tin along with silver, iron and lead as being imported into Tyre from Tarshish (see METALS). The tin must have been brought in the form of ore and smelted in Syria. The writer has some slag dug from a deposit near Beirut which yielded nearly pure tin. It was probably the site of an ancient smelter's shop. Greek 1621. ektinasso -- to shake off or out ... to shake off or out. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: ektinasso Phonetic Spelling: (ek-tin-as'-so) Short Definition: I shake off Definition: I shake off ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1621.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 913. bedil -- alloy, tin, dross... 912, 913. bedil. 914 . alloy, tin, dross. Transliteration: bedil Phonetic Spelling: (bed-eel') Short Definition: tin. Word Origin ... /hebrew/913.htm - 6k 2917. tin -- clay 8578. tinyan -- second (an ordinal number) 8579. tinyanuth -- the second time Library The Forgotten Preacher. How those who Fear Scourges and those who Contemn them are to be ... After This, Celsus, Desiring to Exhibit his Learning in his ... But the Important Point Here is Only that You Cannot Anyhow Get ... God's People in the Furnace Whether this Sacrament Ought to be Celebrated in a House and with ... Jesus at Capernaum. Of Removing Tithes. Preparing to Depart The Resurrection Consistent with the Opinions of the Philosophers. Thesaurus Tin (6 Occurrences)... It is the general opinion that the Phoenicians of Tyre and Sidon obtained their supplies of tin from the British Isles. In Ezek. ... /t/tin.htm - 10k Metals (1 Occurrence) Brazen (42 Occurrences) Certainty (23 Occurrences) Certainly (415 Occurrences) Certain Brass (168 Occurrences) Bronze (146 Occurrences) Copper (55 Occurrences) Uncertainty (4 Occurrences) Resources What is Celtic Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of dross in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is chivalry? Does the Bible instruct men to be chivalrous? | GotQuestions.org Tin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Tin (6 Occurrences)Numbers 31:22 Isaiah 1:25 Ezekiel 22:18 Ezekiel 22:20 Ezekiel 27:12 Zechariah 4:10 Subtopics Tin: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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