Definition: The Hebrew word for "alumen" (also spelled in English as "alum") appears to be a compound term composed of two parts: "aleth", meaning "wooden" or "planks", and "mun," which likely means "to melt" or "to temper". In the Bible, "alumen" is often used for wood or any other substance that can be melted by heat. It's often associated with the Old Testament, where it appears in connection to various types of wood. The precise meaning of this word varies across different translations and interpretations based on its historical context. Some scholars have argued that "alumen" originally referred to a specific type of wood used for certain purposes during ancient times, such as furniture making or as a tool in woodworking operations. However, some believe that the word was used metaphorically, meaning "wooden substance" rather than something that could be easily melted. In English translation, alumen is often used with a slight variation in its spelling from "alum," which appears to reflect an ancient use of this term for wood. The word's Hebrew etymology suggests that it may have originated from the Old Testament or Old Testament Greek sources where it was used to indicate a type or substance commonly associated with wood, which is what it ends up being in the Bible context. The specific meaning and context within a particular text will depend on the particular Hebrew Bible passage you're referring to.

alumen