Lexical Summary rabid: necklace Original Word: רָבִיד Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chain From rabad; a collar (as spread around the neck) -- chain. see HEBREW rabad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a chain (ornament for the neck) NASB Translation necklace (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs רָבִיד noun [masculine] chain, ornament for neck; — absolute ׳ר Ezekiel 16:11; construct רְבִד הַזָּהָב Genesis 41:42 (E). Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Genesis 41:42 and Ezekiel 16:11 contain the only attestations of רָבִיד. In both passages the ornament is deliberately placed upon the neck, marking a decisive change in status—first for Joseph in Egypt, then for personified Jerusalem in the prophetic allegory. Cultural and Historical Background In Egypt, a heavy gold neck-chain was a royal insignia reserved for officials who had earned the monarch’s confidence. Archaeological finds and tomb paintings show such collars draping the chest, signaling delegated authority. In West Semitic bridal custom, lavish necklaces featured prominently among wedding gifts, proclaiming the groom’s commitment to provide and protect (compare Song of Songs 1:10-11). Ezekiel draws on this imagery when portraying Jerusalem as Yahweh’s adorned bride. Symbolism of Honor and Authority Pharaoh’s act—“placed a gold chain around his neck” (Genesis 41:42)—publicly proclaims Joseph’s promotion from incarcerated foreigner to vizier. The chain hangs close to the heart, visually tethering Joseph’s new authority to the king who granted it. The object therefore mediates authority, not merely illustrates wealth. In Ezekiel, the same type of ornament signifies covenantal honor. The Lord says, “I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck” (Ezekiel 16:11). Here the chain becomes an emblem of divine grace toward an otherwise destitute bride. The prophet exposes Israel’s later infidelity, sharpening the contrast between bestowed dignity and subsequent apostasy. Covenantal Adornment in Ezekiel Ezekiel’s bridal tableau progresses from cleansing (16:9) to clothing (16:10) to ornamentation (16:11-13). Each layer expresses covenant intimacy. The neck-chain, surrounded by other jewels, announces that Israel’s worth derives from her relationship with the Lord. The indictment that follows (16:15-34) hinges on the misuse of these very gifts. Thus the chain is simultaneously a token of love and a witness for the prosecution when love is betrayed. Typological Insights and Christological Echoes Joseph’s exaltation after suffering and humiliation foreshadows the greater exaltation of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:8-11). The gold chain complements Pharaoh’s signet ring, paralleling the Father’s bestowal of “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). Likewise, the Church—prefigured by restored Jerusalem—awaits the public display of her adornment when the Bridegroom returns (Revelation 19:7-8). The juxtaposition of Joseph and Jerusalem therefore charts a redemptive arc from personal vindication to corporate glorification. Related Biblical Imagery Proverbs 1:9 (“for they are a garland of grace on your head and a chain for your neck”) and Proverbs 3:3 (“Bind them around your neck”) treat neck-ornaments as metaphors for wisdom and covenant loyalty. Song of Songs 4:9 speaks of the bride’s neck as captivated by jewels, reinforcing the motif of relational delight expressed through adornment. These texts broaden the meaning of רָבִיד by linking external beauty with internal virtue. Ministry Reflection and Application 1. God delights to honor the faithful. Joseph’s chain encourages believers to trust divine timing; humble service precedes exaltation (1 Peter 5:6). Thus רָבִיד, though sparingly attested, threads through Scripture as a symbol of honor granted, relationship established, and responsibility entrusted—an enduring reminder that the One who adorns also examines how His gifts are worn. Forms and Transliterations וְרָבִ֖יד ורביד רְבִ֥ד רבד rə·ḇiḏ rəḇiḏ reVid veraVid wə·rā·ḇîḏ wərāḇîḏLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 41:42 HEB: שֵׁ֔שׁ וַיָּ֛שֶׂם רְבִ֥ד הַזָּהָ֖ב עַל־ NAS: the gold necklace around KJV: and put a gold chain about his neck; INT: of fine and put necklace the gold around Ezekiel 16:11 2 Occurrences |
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