Lexical Summary tsamiyd: Bracelet, band, clasp, or chain Original Word: צָמִיד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bracelet, covering Or tsamid {tsaw-meed'}; from tsamad; a bracelet or arm-clasp; generally, a lid -- bracelet, covering. see HEBREW tsamad Brown-Driver-Briggs I. צָמִיד noun masculineGenesis 24:22 bracelet (bound on wrist); — absolute ׳צ Numbers 31:50; plural צְמִידִים Genesis 24:22 +; — bracelet Genesis 24:22,30,47 (J), Numbers 31:50 (P); in figure Ezekiel 16:11; Ezekiel 23:42. II. צָמִיד noun [masculine] cover, of vessel, Numbers 19:15. צַמָּה see צמם. Topical Lexicon Root idea and cultural setting צָמִיד denotes an item that clasps or joins together. In the Ancient Near East such pieces were typically crafted of gold or silver, worn on the wrists or arms by both men and women, and served as portable wealth, tokens of rank, or bridal gifts. Because they were measurable by weight, they readily functioned as currency (Genesis 24:22). Occurrences in Scripture 1. Genesis 24:22, 24:30, 24:47 – the pair of golden bracelets given to Rebekah. Symbolism in covenant and betrothal In Genesis 24 the bracelets are the first tangible pledge of Isaac’s intention. “Then the servant took a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels, and put them on her wrists” (Genesis 24:22). They serve three purposes: Thus צָמִיד becomes an emblem of faithfulness, foreshadowing the Church’s betrothal to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). Purity and consecration Numbers 19:15 shifts the word from ornament to safeguard: “Every open container without a lid fastened with a cord will be unclean”. The clasped cover prevents defilement from death-related impurity, illustrating that holiness requires intentional guarding. The same term that beautifies a bride here protects a vessel, reminding believers that purity is both attractive and practical. Wealth dedicated to the LORD After the Midianite campaign, Israel’s officers voluntarily offer ornaments. “We have presented the LORD’s offering… armlets, bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces—to make atonement for ourselves before the LORD” (Numbers 31:50). What had once been symbols of pagan luxury become instruments of worship. צָמִיד, surrendered, teaches stewardship: valuables can and should be consecrated for divine service. Prophetic imagery of adornment Ezekiel employs the bracelet motif in contrasting scenes: Practical ministry applications • Discipleship: A visible pledge (bracelet) parallels baptism and the Lord’s Supper—outward signs of inward realities. Christological reflections The bridal bracelets of Genesis and Ezekiel anticipate the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7–8). Secured by Christ, the Church is both purified and adorned—joined to Him with an unbreakable “clasp.” Summary צָמִיד moves through Scripture from betrothal gift to ritual safeguard to prophetic symbol. Whether beautifying a bride, sealing a vessel, or being laid on the altar, it consistently illustrates the gracious joining of God and His people—an unbroken bond of love, purity, and consecration. Forms and Transliterations הַצְּמִדִים֮ הצמדים וְהַצְּמִידִ֖ים וְצָמִ֔יד והצמידים וצמיד צְמִידִים֙ צָמִ֥יד צמיד צמידים haṣ·ṣə·mi·ḏîm haṣṣəmiḏîm hatztzemiDim ṣā·mîḏ ṣāmîḏ ṣə·mî·ḏîm ṣəmîḏîm tzaMid tzemiDim vehatztzemiDim vetzaMid wə·haṣ·ṣə·mî·ḏîm wə·ṣā·mîḏ wəhaṣṣəmîḏîm wəṣāmîḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 24:22 HEB: מִשְׁקָל֑וֹ וּשְׁנֵ֤י צְמִידִים֙ עַל־ יָדֶ֔יהָ NAS: and two bracelets for her wrists KJV: and two bracelets for her hands INT: weighing and two bracelets for her wrists Genesis 24:30 Genesis 24:47 Numbers 19:15 Numbers 31:50 Ezekiel 16:11 Ezekiel 23:42 7 Occurrences |
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