Lexical Summary gargeroth: Berries, clusters Original Word: גַּרְגְּרוֹת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance neck Feminine plural from garar; the throat (as used in rumination) -- neck. see HEBREW garar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom garar Definition neck NASB Translation neck (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs גַּרְגְּרוֺת noun feminine plural neck (on formation compare BaNB 204) — גַּרְגְּרֹתֶ֑יךָ Proverbs 1:9; Proverbs 3:22, גַּרְגְרוֺתֶ֑ךָ Proverbs 3:3, גַּרְגְּרֹתֶ֑ךָ Proverbs 6:21 — always in figure, instruction of parents an ornament, a chain upon neck Proverbs 1:9, bind them upon thy neck Proverbs 6:21; so of mercy & truth Proverbs 3:3, compare Proverbs 3:22. Topical Lexicon Physical Picture and Literary Imagery The word evokes the front of the neck or throat, a vulnerable place where pulse and breath are felt. In the wisdom sayings of Proverbs it becomes a literary frame: the same spot that receives a life-giving breath is imagined as the site for a treasured ornament. What a person binds there is both visible to others and in constant contact with the lifeline of the body—an apt metaphor for truth that must be displayed and continually “felt.” Occurrences in Proverbs • Proverbs 1:9 – parental instruction is “a garland of grace on your head and a chain around your neck.” Symbolism of Honor and Protection Ancient Near Eastern neck-bands could signify rank, covenant, or divine favor. By transferring that image to moral qualities, the sages teach that honor is not located in precious metal but in covenant virtues. The neck becomes the meeting place of head and heart; what is worn there guards the life beneath and advertises the loyalty within. Pedagogical Strategy Repeated binding language underscores memorization, recitation, and habitual obedience. Just as a necklace is clasped each morning, instruction is to be deliberately fastened to the life of the disciple. The idea anticipates the Shema’s call to bind the words “as symbols on your hands” (Deuteronomy 6:8) and foreshadows Paul’s exhortation to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly” (Colossians 3:16). Theological Motifs 1. Grace made visible: “They will be life to your soul and grace around your neck” (Proverbs 3:22) links inward renewal with outward testimony. Historical Echoes Neck ornaments were given as royal gifts (Genesis 41:42) and spoils of battle (Judges 8:26). By adopting that imagery, Proverbs democratizes honor: any son or daughter who embraces wisdom may wear what once belonged only to princes. Ministry Applications • Family Catechesis: Encourage parents to speak Scripture aloud and develop tangible reminders—song, art, or even literal jewelry—to reinforce learning. Christological Reflection Jesus Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom” (Colossians 2:3), embodies the necklace of grace. Taking His gentle yoke upon the neck (Matthew 11:29) brings the very life and favor Proverbs promises. The believer who binds His words there discovers that the place once vulnerable becomes secure, and the ornament once symbolic becomes eternal inheritance. Forms and Transliterations גַּרְגְּרֹתֶֽךָ׃ גַּרְגְּרוֹתֶ֑יךָ גרגרותיך גרגרתך׃ לְגַרְגְּרֹתֶֽיךָ׃ לגרגרתיך׃ gar·gə·rō·ṯe·ḵā gar·gə·rō·w·ṯe·ḵā gargeroTecha gargeroTeicha gargərōṯeḵā gargərōwṯeḵā lə·ḡar·gə·rō·ṯe·ḵā legargeroTeicha ləḡargərōṯeḵāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 1:9 HEB: לְרֹאשֶׁ֑ךָ וַ֝עֲנָקִ֗ים לְגַרְגְּרֹתֶֽיךָ׃ NAS: And ornaments about your neck. KJV: and chains about thy neck. INT: to your head and ornaments your neck Proverbs 3:3 Proverbs 3:22 Proverbs 6:21 4 Occurrences |
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