Jump to: Smith's • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, rings were significant both as personal adornments and as symbols of authority and covenant. The use of rings is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, reflecting their cultural and spiritual importance.Symbol of Authority and Power Rings often symbolized authority and power, particularly in the context of sealing documents. In Genesis 41:42, Pharaoh gives Joseph his signet ring, signifying Joseph's new position of authority over Egypt: "Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck." The signet ring was used to stamp official documents, serving as a mark of authenticity and command. Similarly, in the book of Esther, King Xerxes gives his signet ring to Haman (Esther 3:10) and later to Mordecai (Esther 8:2), indicating the transfer of royal authority and the power to enact decrees. Covenant and Commitment Rings also symbolize covenant and commitment. In the parable of the prodigal son, the father places a ring on his returning son's finger as a sign of restored sonship and acceptance (Luke 15:22): "But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.'" This act signifies the son's reinstatement into the family and the father's unconditional love and forgiveness. Adornment and Wealth Rings were also worn as ornaments, indicating wealth and status. In James 2:2, the presence of a man wearing a gold ring is used to illustrate partiality within the church: "Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in." This passage highlights the societal tendency to judge based on outward appearances, using the ring as a symbol of wealth. Cultural Practices In ancient Near Eastern cultures, rings were often made of gold, silver, or other precious materials and could be intricately designed. They were worn by both men and women and could be found on fingers, ears, and even noses, as seen in Genesis 24:22, where Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold nose ring as a token of betrothal: "And after the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels." Spiritual Significance The spiritual significance of rings can also be seen in their use as symbols of divine favor and protection. In the prophetic vision of Zechariah 3:9, the Lord speaks of engraving an inscription on a stone, which some scholars associate with the imagery of a signet ring, symbolizing God's covenant and promise to His people. Overall, rings in the Bible serve as multifaceted symbols, representing authority, covenant, wealth, and divine favor. Their presence in biblical narratives underscores their importance in the cultural and spiritual life of the ancient world. Smith's Bible Dictionary RingThe ring was regarded as an indispensable article of a Hebrew's attire, inasmuch as it contained his signet. It was hence the symbol of authority. (Genesis 41:42; Esther 3:10) Rings were worn not only by men, but by women. (Isaiah 3:21) We may conclude from (Exodus 28:11) that the rings contained a stone engraven with a device or with the owner's name. The custom appears also to have prevailed among the Jews of the apostolic age. (James 2:2) Easton's Bible Dictionary Used as an ornament to decorate the fingers, arms, wrists, and also the ears and the nose. Rings were used as a signet (Genesis 38:18). They were given as a token of investment with authority (Genesis 41:42; Esther 3:8-10; 8:2), and of favour and dignity (Luke 15:22). They were generally worn by rich men (James 2:2). They are mentioned by Isiah (3:21) among the adornments of Hebrew women. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To cause to sound, especially by striking, as a metallic body; as, to ring a bell.2. (v. t.) To make (a sound), as by ringing a bell; to sound. 3. (v. t.) To repeat often, loudly, or earnestly. 4. (v. i.) To sound, as a bell or other sonorous body, particularly a metallic one. 5. (v. i.) To practice making music with bells. 6. (v. i.) To sound loud; to resound; to be filled with a ringing or reverberating sound. 7. (v. i.) To continue to sound or vibrate; to resound. 8. (v. i.) To be filled with report or talk; as, the whole town rings with his fame. 9. (n.) A sound; especially, the sound of vibrating metals; as, the ring of a bell. 10. (n.) Any loud sound; the sound of numerous voices; a sound continued, repeated, or reverberated. 11. (n.) A chime, or set of bells harmonically tuned. 12. (n.) A circle, or a circular line, or anything in the form of a circular line or hoop. 13. (n.) Specifically, a circular ornament of gold or other precious material worn on the finger, or attached to the ear, the nose, or some other part of the person; as, a wedding ring. 14. (n.) A circular area in which races are or run or other sports are performed; an arena. 15. (n.) An enclosed space in which pugilists fight; hence, figuratively, prize fighting. 16. (n.) A circular group of persons. 17. (n.) The plane figure included between the circumferences of two concentric circles. 18. (n.) The solid generated by the revolution of a circle, or other figure, about an exterior straight line (as an axis) lying in the same plane as the circle or other figure. 19. (n.) An instrument, formerly used for taking the sun's altitude, consisting of a brass ring suspended by a swivel, with a hole at one side through which a solar ray entering indicated the altitude on the graduated inner surface opposite. 20. (n.) An elastic band partly or wholly encircling the spore cases of ferns. 21. (n.) A clique; an exclusive combination of persons for a selfish purpose, as to control the market, distribute offices, obtain contracts, etc. 22. (v. t.) To surround with a ring, or as with a ring; to encircle. 23. (v. t.) To make a ring around by cutting away the bark; to girdle; as, to ring branches or roots. 24. (v. t.) To fit with a ring or with rings, as the fingers, or a swine's snout. 25. (v. i.) To rise in the air spirally. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia RING(Anglo-Saxon, Hring, "ring"): The word renders (the American Standard Revised Version) two Hebrew words (in the King James Version and the English Revised Version three) and two Greek words. Tabba`ath, the principal Hebrew word, is from Tabha`, "sink," either because the ring is something "cast" or molded, or, more probably, since the principal use of the ring was as a seal, because it "sank" into the wax or clay that received the impression. In Exodus, Tabba`ath, "ring," is a detail of furniture or equipment, as the rings of the ark through which the staves were thrust (Exodus 25:12, etc.), rings for curtains, in the high priest's ephod (Exodus 28:28; Exodus 39:21), etc. Its other use was perhaps the original, to describe the article of personal adornment worn on the finger, apparently in the Old Testament always a signet-ring, and as such an indispensable article of masculine attire. Such a ring Pharaoh gave Joseph as a symbol of authority (Genesis 41:42); and Ahasuerus gave Haman (Esther 3:10); with it the royal missive was sealed (Esther 3:12; Esther 8:8 twice, 10). It was also a feminine ornament in Isaiah's list of the fashionable feminine paraphernalia, "the rings and the nose-jewels" (quite likely rings also) (Isaiah 3:21). Either as ornaments or for their intrinsic value, or both, rings were used as gifts for sacred purposes from both men and women: "brooches, and ear-rings, and signet-rings" (margin "nose-rings") (Exodus 35:22); "bracelets, rings (the American Standard Revised Version "signet-rings"), ear-rings" (Numbers 31:50 the King James Version). chotham, "signet," mentioned in Genesis 38:18, 25 Exodus 28:11, 21, 36 Exodus 39:6, 14, 30 Jeremiah 22:24 Haggai 2:23, etc., was probably usually a seal ring, but in Genesis 38 and elsewhere the seal may have been swung on wire, and suspended by a cord from the neck. It was not only an identification, but served as a stamp for signature. galil, "circle" (compare "Galilee," "Circle" of the Gentiles), rendered "ring" in Esther 1:6 Songs 5:14, may rather mean "cylinder" or "rod" of metal. Earring (which see) in the King James Version is from totally different words: nezem, whose etymology is unknown, aghil, "round," or lachash, "amulet"; so the Revised Version (British and American). The "rings" of the wheels in Ezekiel 1:18 (the King James Version) are gabh, "curved," and mean "rims" (American Standard Revised Version), "felloes." Egyptians especially wore a great profusion of rings, principally of silver or gold, engraved with scarabaei, or other devices. In the New Testament the ring, daktulios, "finger-ring," is a token of means, position, standing: "put a ring on his hand" (Luke 15:22). Perhaps also it included the right to give orders in his father's name. To be chrusodaktulios, "golden-ringed," perhaps with more than one, indicated wealth and social rank: "a man with a gold ring" (James 2:2). Greek 1146. daktulios -- a ring ... a ring. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: daktulios Phonetic Spelling: (dak-too'-lee-os) Short Definition: a finger-ring Definition: a finger-ring ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1146.htm - 6k 5554. chrusodaktulios -- with a gold ring 4973. sphragis -- a seal, a signet 2945. kuklo -- around 4972. sphragizo -- to seal 5525. choros -- a dance, chorus 3738. orcheomai -- to dance Strong's Hebrew 2885. tabbaath -- signet ring, ring, signet... 2884, 2885. tabbaath. 2886 . signet ring, ring, signet. Transliteration: tabbaath Phonetic Spelling: (tab-bah'-ath) Short Definition: rings. ... /hebrew/2885.htm - 6k 5141. nezem -- a ring (worn as an ornament) 5824. izqah -- a signet ring 2858. chothemeth -- signet ring 2397. chach -- hook, ring, fetter 2336. choach -- briar, bramble, hook, ring, fetter 5694. agil -- a hoop, ring 2368. chotham -- a seal, signet ring 2838. chashuq -- a fillet or ring 1550. galil -- a turning, folding Library I was a Wand'ring Sheep. Old and New Year 444. Ring Out, Wild Bells, to the Wild Sky The Upright Does Nothing that is Contrary to Duty... A Certain Trinity in the Sight. That There are Three Things in ... Nicholas of Basle Gifts to the Prodigal On the Study of Zoology. Women of the Frankish Church The Further Adventures of Saint George. Reverie. Thesaurus Ring (33 Occurrences)... women. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (vt) To cause to sound, especially by striking, as a metallic body; as, to ring a bell. 2. (vt ... /r/ring.htm - 24k Ring-streaked (5 Occurrences) Ring-straked (5 Occurrences) Ear-ring (6 Occurrences) Seal-ring (3 Occurrences) Nose-ring (4 Occurrences) Ring-leader (1 Occurrence) Nose-jewels (1 Occurrence) Nosejewels Necklace (9 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about nose rings / getting a nose ring? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Zerubbabel was the LORD's signet ring (Haggai 2:23)? | GotQuestions.org Should a Christian wear a purity ring? | GotQuestions.org Ring: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ring (33 Occurrences)Luke 15:22 James 2:2 Genesis 24:22 Genesis 24:30 Genesis 24:47 Genesis 38:18 Genesis 38:25 Genesis 41:42 Exodus 25:11 Exodus 26:24 Exodus 27:4 Exodus 36:29 Judges 8:24 Judges 8:25 1 Samuel 26:5 1 Samuel 26:7 2 Kings 19:28 Esther 3:10 Esther 3:12 Esther 8:2 Esther 8:8 Esther 8:10 Job 16:16 Job 41:2 Job 42:11 Proverbs 11:22 Proverbs 25:12 Isaiah 37:29 Jeremiah 22:24 Ezekiel 16:12 Daniel 6:17 Hosea 2:13 Haggai 2:23 Subtopics Ring: Offerings of, to the Tabernacle Ring: Worn As a Badge of office Related Terms |
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