נֶזֶם
a nose-ring
Definition
The Hebrew noun נֶזֶם (nezem) primarily refers to a piece of jewelry worn as a nose-ring, a common adornment in the ancient Near East. In its most specific sense, it denotes the ring placed through the nostril, as seen in the gifts given to Rebekah in Genesis 24:22, 30, and 47. However, the word's usage broadens in other contexts to signify a general 'earring' or 'jewel,' especially when made of precious metal, as when the Israelites donated their golden נְזָמִים (nezamim) for the construction of the Tabernacle (Exodus 32:2-3; 35:22) or for Gideon's ephod (Judges 8:24-26).
Biblical Usage
נֶזֶם appears 16 times in the Old Testament, predominantly in narrative books like Genesis, Exodus, and Judges. It is used in two main contexts: first, as a specific item of personal adornment, often given as a gift or bridal payment (Genesis 24). Second, it appears in cultic contexts where gold jewelry is collected and melted down for religious objects, highlighting its value and potential for misuse (Exodus 32; Judges 8). The plural form (נְזָמִים) is common when referring to collective donations of jewelry.
Etymology
The word נֶזֶם derives from an unused Hebrew root of uncertain meaning, though it is likely related to the act of piercing or adorning. Cognates exist in other Semitic languages, such as Arabic 'nazama' (to string pearls), suggesting a connection to ornamental items. The semantic range in Hebrew developed from the specific 'nose-ring' to a more general term for a precious ring or jewel.
Semantic Range
While נֶזֶם itself is a common object, its biblical usage carries theological weight in narratives about idolatry and devotion. In Exodus 32, the golden נְזָמִים given by the Israelites are melted to form the golden calf, a stark warning against misusing God-given wealth for idolatry. Conversely, in Exodus 35, similar jewelry is willingly offered for the construction of the Tabernacle, symbolizing consecrated giving. Understanding this word enriches reading by highlighting the tension between adornment for vanity, idolatrous misuse, and dedicated offering to God.
In ancient Israelite and Near Eastern culture, a נֶזֶם was a significant piece of jewelry, often made of gold or silver. Nose-rings were not merely decorative but could signify social status, beauty, and wealth. For women, they could be part of bridal wealth or gifts, as with Rebekah. The act of giving or removing such jewelry held cultural meaning, representing transactions, pledges, or changes in status. This differs from a modern Western understanding where nose-rings are often purely aesthetic or symbolic.
עָגִיל (agil, H5694) — A more general term for 'earring' or 'hoop,' often used interchangeably but possibly less specific to the nose. כֶּסֶף (keseph, H3701) — 'Silver,' the material from which a נֶזֶם was often made, highlighting its value. זָהָב (zahav, H2091) — 'Gold,' the precious metal frequently used for נְזָמִים in cultic contexts.
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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