Nosejewels, also referred to as nose rings, are ornamental items mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of adornment and cultural practices. These items were typically worn by women and sometimes by men in ancient Near Eastern societies, including the Israelites. The practice of wearing nosejewels is evidenced in several biblical passages, highlighting their significance as symbols of beauty, wealth, and social status.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 24:22, 47 : The earliest mention of a nosejewel in the Bible occurs in the account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac. When Rebekah is identified as the chosen bride, the servant gives her a gold nose ring as a gift. "When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels for her wrists" (Genesis 24:22). Later, the servant recounts, "And I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her wrists" (Genesis 24:47). This act signifies the acceptance of Rebekah as Isaac's bride and reflects the customs of the time.

2. Isaiah 3:21 : The prophet Isaiah, in his critique of the pride and excesses of the women of Zion, lists nose rings among the luxurious items they adorned themselves with: "their signet rings and nose rings." This passage illustrates the use of nosejewels as part of the opulent attire that characterized the wealthy and elite women of Jerusalem.

3. Ezekiel 16:12 : In a metaphorical depiction of Jerusalem as an adorned woman, God describes His lavish gifts to the city, including a nose ring: "And I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head." This imagery underscores the transformation and beautification of Jerusalem through divine favor, with the nosejewel symbolizing honor and grace.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Nosejewels were common in ancient Middle Eastern cultures, including among the Israelites, Egyptians, and other neighboring peoples. They were typically made of gold or silver and varied in size and design. The wearing of nose rings was often associated with marital status, wealth, and social standing. In some cultures, they were given as bridal gifts or dowries, symbolizing a woman's beauty and the groom's prosperity.

The practice of wearing nosejewels continues in some cultures today, reflecting a long-standing tradition of body adornment. In biblical times, these ornaments were not merely decorative but carried significant cultural and social meanings.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of nosejewels in the Bible serves as a reminder of the cultural practices of ancient times and the ways in which God's people interacted with their surrounding societies. While the Bible does not explicitly condemn the wearing of nosejewels, it does caution against excessive adornment and the pride that can accompany it, as seen in Isaiah's critique. The emphasis is placed on inner beauty and the adornment of the heart, as echoed in 1 Peter 3:3-4, which advises believers to focus on the "unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit."

In summary, nosejewels in the Bible are emblematic of cultural customs and personal adornment, reflecting both the beauty and the potential for vanity inherent in human nature.Only mentioned in Isaiah 3:21, although refered to in Genesis 24:47, Proverbs 11:22, Hosea 2:13. They were among the most valued of ancient female ornaments. They "were made of ivory or metal, and occasionally jewelled. They were more than an inch in diameter, and hung upon the mouth. Eliezer gave one to Rebekah which was of gold and weighed half a shekel...At the present day the women in the country and in the desert wear these ornaments in one of the sides of the nostrils, which droop like the ears in consequence." NOSE-JEWELS

noz-ju'-elz, -joo'-elz (nezem (probably from nazam, "muzzle") a "nose-ring," or "nose-jewel," so rendered in Isaiah 3:21; "jewel in a swine's snout," Proverbs 11:22, the King James Version margin "ring"; "jewel on thy forehead," Ezekiel 16:12, "ring upon thy nose"): In Genesis 24:22, the King James Version rendered incorrectly "earring"; compare Genesis 24:47. Indeed, the word had also a more generic meaning of "ring" or "jewelry," whether worn in the nose or not. See Genesis 35:4 Exodus 32:2, where the ornament was worn in the ear. There are several cases without specification, uniformly rendered, without good reason, however, "earring" in the King James Version (Exodus 35:22 Judges 8:24, 25 Job 42:11 ("ring"); Proverbs 25:12 Hosea 2:13 (15)).

The nose-jewel was made of gold or of silver, usually, and worn by many women of the East. It was a ring of from an inch to about three inches (in extreme cases) in diameter, and was passed through the right nostril. Usually there were pendant from the metal ring jewels, beads or coral. Such ornaments are still worn in some parts of the East.

See also AMULET; JEWEL.

Edward Bagby Pollard

Nosejewels

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Nose-jewels (1 Occurrence)
Nose-jewels. Nosejewels, Nose-jewels. Nose-ring . ... Isaiah 3:21 the rings, and
the nose-jewels; (See JPS ASV BBE WBS). Nosejewels, Nose-jewels. Nose-ring > ...
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Nose (23 Occurrences)

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