Lexical Summary nequddah: Spot, mark, point Original Word: נְקֻדָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance stud Feminine of naqod; a boss -- stud. see HEBREW naqod NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as naqod Definition a point or drop NASB Translation beads (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נְקֻדָּה] noun masculine point, or drop; — only plural construct תּוֺרֵי זָהָב נַעֲשֶׂהלָּֿח עִם נְקֻדּוֺת הַכָּ֑סֶף Songs 1:11 rows (strings or chains) of gold will we make for thee, with points of silver. II. נקד (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Term Overviewנְקֻדָּה (nequddah) conveys the idea of a point, dot, or stud. In its single biblical appearance the word describes decorative “studs” set into precious metal jewelry. Biblical Occurrence Song of Songs 1:11 “We will make for you ornaments of gold, studded with silver.” Here נְקֻדָּה portrays small silver inlays that enhance a larger piece of gold jewelry, intensifying its beauty and value. Historical and Cultural Setting Ancient Near-Eastern artisans regularly enriched gold ornaments with contrasting metals or gemstones. Excavations in Egypt, Phoenicia, and Judah reveal necklaces, diadems, and hairpieces fashioned from hammered gold plates patterned with minute silver or stone studs. The description in Song of Songs matches this high craftsmanship, reflecting both royal opulence and covenantal devotion between bridegroom and bride. Literary Function in Song of Songs 1. Elevation of the Bride The bride is promised not merely gold but gold “studded” with finer detail. The choice of vocabulary underscores her worth and dignity within the poem’s marriage imagery. 2. Intensified Beauty The dotted silver draws the eye to the whole piece, illustrating how individual graces combine to magnify overall beauty—an analogy for character qualities within a covenant relationship. 3. Corporate Voice The plural “we will make” may depict the bridal party or royal craftsmen, hinting at the communal participation in celebrating covenant love. Theological Reflections • Covenant Ornamentation As Israel at Sinai was pictured as the Lord’s treasured possession (Exodus 19:5), so the bride is adorned to signify belonging. Nequddah symbolizes the Lord’s intentional, detailed work in beautifying His people. • Typological Foreshadowing New-Testament writers describe the Church as the adorned bride of Christ (Revelation 19:7-8). The studs of silver anticipate the spiritual adornment of righteous deeds, “the fine linen, bright and pure.” • Sanctifying Detail Each “stud” reflects a specific act of grace. Just as silver contrasts with gold, individual virtues—faith, hope, love—stand out against the backdrop of salvation’s golden foundation. Links with Other Biblical Imagery • Isaiah 61:10 speaks of being “clothed with garments of salvation,” a broader image of adornment fulfilled in the perfected bride. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Spiritual Craftsmanship Believers are called to cooperate with the Master Jeweler, allowing Him to set every “stud” of silver—each discipline, trial, or service—into the gold of redemption (Philippians 1:6). 2. Corporate Encouragement The plural voice reminds congregations that spiritual adornment is a shared enterprise. Pastors, teachers, and fellow saints “make” ornaments for one another through exhortation and discipleship (Ephesians 4:11-12). 3. Worship and Aesthetics While Scripture warns against ostentatious externals, artistic beauty in worship can point to divine splendor when it highlights, rather than distracts from, the glory of God (Exodus 28:2; Psalm 27:4). Summary Though appearing only once, נְקֻדָּה provides a vivid picture of intricate, purposeful adornment. In Song of Songs it elevates the bride’s beauty; in redemptive typology it illustrates the Lord’s meticulous sanctifying work; and in ministry it calls believers to participate joyfully in the Spirit’s craftsmanship, knowing that each small “stud” contributes to the radiant display of the Bride for her Bridegroom. Forms and Transliterations נְקֻדּ֥וֹת נקדות nə·qud·dō·wṯ nekudDot nəquddōwṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 1:11 HEB: לָּ֔ךְ עִ֖ם נְקֻדּ֥וֹת הַכָּֽסֶף׃ NAS: of gold With beads of silver. KJV: of gold with studs of silver. INT: will make With beads of silver 1 Occurrence |
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a kind of small sheep with very abundant wool (JacobAltarab. Bed. Leben, 1807, 83), whence 
shepherd of this kind of sheep; נקד perhaps MI30; Assyrian nâ‡idu DlHWB 479; compare Late Hebrew נוֺקֵד (rare)).