עָגִיל
something round, i.e. a ring (for the ears)
Definition
The Hebrew noun עָגִיל (ʻâgîyl) refers to a round piece of jewelry, specifically an earring. It is derived from a root meaning 'to be round,' emphasizing its circular shape. In its two biblical occurrences, it consistently denotes a valuable earring, often made of precious metal. In Numbers 31:50, these earrings are part of the war plunder dedicated to the Lord, while in Ezekiel 16:12, they are listed among the lavish adornments God bestows on Jerusalem as a metaphor for His blessing.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in contexts highlighting material value and adornment. In Numbers 31:50, commanders bring gold earrings (עָגִיל) as a voluntary offering to atone for their souls after the Midianite war, showing their use in ritual consecration. In Ezekiel 16:12, God metaphorically adorns Jerusalem, putting a ring in her nose and earrings (עָגִיל) in her ears as part of a depiction of extravagant beauty and covenant relationship.
Etymology
The word עָגִיל comes from the root עָגַל (ʻāgal, H5696), meaning 'to be round' or 'to revolve.' It is related to the adjective עָגֹל (ʻāgōl, H5694), meaning 'round.' This etymological connection directly informs its meaning as a circular ornament. Cognates in other Semitic languages, like Ugaritic, also show words for rings or circlets, confirming this core sense of a round object.
Semantic Range
While primarily a material object, עָגִיל appears in two theologically significant contexts. In Numbers 31:50, earrings are transformed from war spoils into a voluntary atonement offering, illustrating the dedication of wealth to God and the concept of ransom. In Ezekiel 16:12, they are part of God's symbolic adornment of Jerusalem, representing His grace, covenant love, and the elevation of His people to a position of honor and beauty, which they later profane through idolatry (Ezekiel 16:17).
In the ancient Near East, earrings were common personal adornments, often made of gold or silver and signifying wealth, status, and beauty. They could also function as amulets or have religious associations. The biblical usage reflects this, showing earrings as valuable property (Numbers 31) and as part of bridal or royal ornamentation (Ezekiel 16). Their dedication in Numbers also hints at a practice of using precious jewelry for religious offerings.
נֶזֶם (nezem, H5141) — A more general term for a ring or earring, used more frequently (e.g., Genesis 24:22). עָגִיל may specify a round, hoop-style earring.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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