Bracelet
Summary
Ornamental bands worn on the wrist or arm, common among both men and women in ancient Israel and surrounding cultures.
☩Types and Terminology
Several Hebrew words are translated as 'bracelet,' each referring to different types of ornaments. The term 'etsadah' refers to armlets worn by men, including royal insignia as seen on King Saul. The word 'tsamid' (fastener) refers to bracelets worn primarily by women, as when Abraham's servant gave Rebekah bracelets weighing ten shekels of gold.
☩Cultural Significance
Bracelets served both as personal adornment and as marks of status. Royal bracelets were among the insignia of kingship, as evidenced when the Amalekite brought Saul's bracelet and crown to David. Women's bracelets were sometimes dedicated as offerings to the tabernacle from spoils of war.
☩Materials and Design
Bracelets were made from various materials according to the wearer's status: gold, silver, mother-of-pearl for the wealthy, and brass, copper, horn, or beads for the poor. Many were hollow to provide bulk without excessive weight, and twisted gold rope designs were common throughout Western Asia.
Related Verses11 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Bracelet," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. I (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Bracelet," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. I (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Bracelet," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).