A noun meaning gold ore in its raw state, or a fortified enclosure. The word appears in Job as a description of untouched, unrefined wealth — gold still in the ground — as well as a place-name and a city of refuge.
Betser pictures something of great intrinsic value yet unrefined — like faith tested and proven (cf. 1 Peter 1:7). Job uses the word to illustrate that earthly treasure, however precious, pales beside divine wisdom (Job 22:24-25). Betser was also one of the six cities of refuge appointed east of the Jordan (Deuteronomy 4:43) — a place of safety for the unintentional manslayer. Both senses converge in Christ: He is the refined gold of our faith and the ultimate city of refuge for the sinner fleeing condemnation.