Bangles, as a form of jewelry, are circular ornaments worn around the wrist. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "bangles" by this name, it does reference bracelets and similar adornments, which can be understood to include bangles. These items were often used as symbols of wealth, beauty, and social status in biblical times.

Biblical References and Cultural Context

In the ancient Near East, jewelry such as bangles and bracelets were common among both men and women. They were crafted from various materials, including gold, silver, bronze, and sometimes adorned with precious stones. Jewelry served not only as personal adornment but also as a form of currency and a symbol of covenant or betrothal.

Genesis 24:22, 30, 47 : In the account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac, Rebekah is given a gold nose ring and bracelets as gifts. "When the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold" (Genesis 24:22). This passage highlights the use of jewelry as a gift and a sign of wealth and intention in marriage arrangements.

Ezekiel 16:11-12 : The prophet Ezekiel uses the imagery of jewelry to describe God's adornment of Jerusalem, symbolizing His blessings and favor. "I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck. I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head." Here, bracelets are part of a larger ensemble of adornments, signifying beauty and divine favor.

Isaiah 3:18-20 : The prophet Isaiah speaks of the judgment that will come upon the daughters of Zion, stripping them of their finery, including bangles. "In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents, their pendants, bracelets, and veils, their headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume bottles, and charms." This passage reflects the cultural importance of such adornments and their association with pride and vanity.

Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons

In biblical literature, jewelry, including bangles, often symbolizes beauty, wealth, and status. However, it also serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. The adornment of the bride, for instance, can symbolize the relationship between God and His people, as seen in the imagery of the bride of Christ in the New Testament.

1 Peter 3:3-4 : The apostle Peter advises Christian women on the nature of true beauty, contrasting external adornment with inner character. "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight." This teaching emphasizes the value of inner spiritual qualities over external appearances.

Cultural and Historical Insights

In biblical times, jewelry like bangles was not merely decorative but also carried economic and social significance. They could be used as gifts, dowries, or even as a form of savings. The presence of such items in biblical narratives provides insight into the daily life and customs of ancient societies.

While the Bible acknowledges the use of jewelry, it also warns against the potential for idolatry and vanity associated with excessive adornment. The focus is consistently directed towards the cultivation of inner virtues and a heart aligned with God's will.5913. akas -- to shake bangles, rattle, tinkle
... 5912, 5913. akas. 5914 . to shake bangles, rattle, tinkle. Transliteration:
akas Phonetic Spelling: (aw-kas') Short Definition: bangles. ...
/hebrew/5913.htm - 6k

"The Dust of the Actual"
... her rose-coloured seeley is clean, and two large gold jewels are in each ear; she
has a little gold necklet round her throat, and silver bangles and toe rings. ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter vii the dust of.htm

"Pan, Pan is Dead"
... stalls, lamp-stalls, fruit-stalls, book-stalls, stalls of pottery, and brass vessels,
and jewellery, and basket work, and cutlery, and bangles in wheelbarrow ...
/.../wilson-carmichael/things as they are/chapter xxiii pan pan is.htm

Port of Spain
... There comes a bright-eyed young lady, probably his daughter-in-law, hung all over
with bangles, in a white muslin petticoat, crimson cotton-velvet jacket, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter iv port of spain.htm

Naparima and Montserrat
... There were bangles and jewels among them in plenty; and as it was a high day and
a holiday, the women had taken out the little gold or silver stoppers in their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter x naparima and montserrat.htm

Monos
... about, at least on high-days, bedizened with jewels: nay, you may see her, even
on work-days, hoeing in the cane-piece with heavy silver bangles hanging down ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vi monos.htm

Bangles (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bangles (2 Occurrences). Isaiah 3:16 Again, the
Lord has said, Because the daughters of Zion are full of ...
/b/bangles.htm - 6k

Bani (15 Occurrences)

/b/bani.htm - 13k

Bands (130 Occurrences)

/b/bands.htm - 37k

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