Lexical Summary charuz: Bead, Jewel Original Word: חָרוּז Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chain From an unused root meaning to perforate; properly, pierced, i.e. A bead of pearl, gems or jewels (as strung) -- chain. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition string of beads NASB Translation strings of beads (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [חָרוּז] noun [masculine] string of beads, only plural צַוָּארֵךְ בַּחֲרוּזִים Songs 1:10 thy neck (is comely) with strings of beads. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Literary Context Ḥārûz appears once, in Song of Solomon 1:10: “Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels”. Within the opening dialogue of mutual admiration between bride and bridegroom, the term designates carefully strung beads or jeweled chains adorning the Shulammite’s neck. Its single use signals both rarity and intentionality: the inspired author selects an uncommon word to accent the exquisite craftsmanship of the ornament and, by extension, the beauty of covenant love that the Song celebrates. Cultural and Historical Background In the ancient Near East, necklaces of threaded gems or gold beads conveyed status, marital commitment, and festal joy. Archaeological finds from the Late Bronze and Iron Ages reveal rows of carnelian, lapis, or gold fashioned into collars for brides and noblewomen. Such adornments were not mere vanity; they often served as family heirlooms, dowry components, or symbols of covenant. The singular biblical mention reflects a life‐setting where the bride’s jewelry acts as visible testimony to her beloved’s esteem and provision. Imagery and Symbolism Physical beauty in Scripture frequently points beyond itself to moral or spiritual splendor. The jeweled strand in Song of Solomon 1:10 thus functions on two levels: 1. Literal celebration of marital delight. Like gemstones threaded together, individual believers are set in precise order by the Master Jeweler, forming a harmonious whole that reflects His glory (1 Peter 2:5). Intertextual Connections • Proverbs 1:9 and 3:3 speak of “graceful garlands” and “necklaces” of steadfast love and faithfulness, linking external ornament to internal virtue. Christological Perspectives The bridegroom who compliments the ḥārûz prefigures Christ who “loved the church and gave Himself up for her… to present her to Himself in splendor” (Ephesians 5:25–27). What the rare necklace achieves visually, the atoning work of Jesus accomplishes spiritually—arranging redeemed lives into a resplendent array that magnifies divine love. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Identity: Believers derive worth from being chosen and “strung” together in Christ, not from self‐manufactured shine. Summary Though ḥārûz surfaces only once, its image of expertly arranged jewels enriches biblical theology of bridal love, covenant adornment, and eschatological glory. The necklace around the Shulammite’s neck anticipates the perfected beauty of the redeemed, eternally displayed to honor the Bridegroom who fashions them. Forms and Transliterations בַּחֲרוּזִֽים׃ בחרוזים׃ ba·ḥă·rū·zîm bacharuZim baḥărūzîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Songs 1:10 HEB: בַּתֹּרִ֔ים צַוָּארֵ֖ךְ בַּחֲרוּזִֽים׃ NAS: Your neck with strings of beads. KJV: [of jewels], thy neck with chains [of gold]. INT: ornaments your neck strings 1 Occurrence |
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