The metal ziff (see v. 3) is now unknown. In Hebrew this term means brightness, referring to metallic brightness (see v. 3b). The term is also used in Daniel 2:31 and 4:36, where it is translated as “brightness.”
Mosiah 11:15 indicates that King Noah was a winebibber. The word imbibe means to drink or absorb; therefore, a winebibber is one who indulges in excessive wine drinking. Today we would use the word drunkard to describe this kind of person.