Uphaz
Summary
A region mentioned as a source of fine gold, likely identical with or a variant spelling of Ophir.
☩Gold-Bearing Region
Uphaz is mentioned twice in Scripture as a source of precious gold, used to describe the finest quality of the metal. In Jeremiah's prophecy, 'gold from Uphaz' is mentioned alongside 'silver beaten into plates' as materials used for making idols. In Daniel's vision, the man clothed in linen had loins girded with 'fine gold of Uphaz.'
☩Identification
Most scholars consider Uphaz to be either a corruption or variant spelling of Ophir, the famous gold-producing region mentioned elsewhere in Scripture. The ancient versions (Targum, Syriac, and Theodotion) equate Uphaz with Ophir. Some have suggested the name may be a compound word relating to 'gold washing,' possibly indicating a location in Southern Arabia.
See Also
References
- 1.James Orr (ed.), "Uphaz," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 2.George Morrish, "Uphaz," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Uphaz," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Uphaz," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Uphaz," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).