אֶצְעָדָה
properly, a step-chain; by analogy, a bracelet
Definition
The Hebrew word אֶצְעָדָה refers to a piece of jewelry worn on the arm, specifically a bracelet or armlet. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes valuable ornaments, likely made of gold, worn by both men and women. In Numbers 31:50, it is part of the war spoils from Midian that the Israelite commanders offer to the Lord, while in 2 Samuel 1:10, it is taken from the dead King Saul by the Amalekite who claims to have killed him. The term's original sense of 'step-chain' or 'anklet' (from the root for 'to step') broadened by analogy to mean any ornamental chain for the limbs.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only twice in the Old Testament, both times in narrative contexts describing items of plunder or loot. In Numbers 31:50, military commanders bring 'armlets, bracelets (אֶצְעָדָה), signet rings, earrings, and necklaces' as a voluntary offering to atone for their lives after the battle against Midian. In 2 Samuel 1:10, the Amalekite reports taking the 'crown' and 'bracelet (אֶצְעָדָה)' from Saul's body, presenting them to David as proof of Saul's death. Both instances highlight the item as a valuable, portable token of status or victory.
Etymology
Derived from the root צָעַד (tsa'ad, H6806), meaning 'to step, march, or stride.' It is a feminine noun variation of צְעָדָה (tse'adah, H6807), which means 'a step, pace, or marching.' Thus, the primary sense is a 'step-chain,' likely an anklet that moves with the step. By semantic extension, it came to refer to any ornamental chain worn on the limbs, particularly bracelets.
Semantic Range
While not a theologically heavy term, אֶצְעָדָה appears in significant contexts of atonement and kingship. In Numbers 31:50, these bracelets are part of a freewill offering that makes atonement before the Lord, illustrating how material wealth dedicated to God can serve a spiritual purpose. In 2 Samuel 1:10, the bracelet, along with Saul's crown, symbolizes royal authority and the transfer of kingship, marking a pivotal moment in Israel's history. Understanding it as a valuable arm ornament enriches the narrative weight of these passages.
In the ancient Near East, bracelets and armlets were common symbols of wealth, status, and beauty, worn by both genders. They were often made of precious metals and could signify military rank or royal office, as seen with Saul. The term's connection to 'stepping' suggests some ornaments were designed to be audible or visible in motion, possibly serving decorative or even ceremonial purposes. Such items were highly portable and thus typical spoils of war.
צָמִיד (tsamid, H6858) — a more general term for bracelet or armlet, often of gold. כּוּמָז (kumaz, H3804) — a specific type of golden ornament, possibly an armband or necklace, offered as tribute. עֲגִיל ('agil, H5694) — typically an earring or hoop, but can refer to circular jewelry.
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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