Topical Encyclopedia The term "dangles" does not appear explicitly in the Bible; however, the concept of items that hang or dangle can be related to various biblical passages and themes, particularly in the context of adornment, idolatry, and symbolism.Adornment and Jewelry In biblical times, jewelry and ornaments were common forms of adornment, often used to signify wealth, status, or beauty. These items, which could include earrings, necklaces, and other forms of jewelry, would naturally dangle from the body. In Genesis 24:22, Abraham's servant gives Rebekah a gold nose ring and bracelets, signifying her selection as Isaac's bride: "Then the man took a gold ring weighing a half shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold." Such adornments were not only decorative but also carried cultural and familial significance. Idolatry and Pagan Practices The Bible frequently warns against the use of ornaments in the context of idolatry. In Hosea 2:13, God speaks through the prophet Hosea, condemning Israel for her unfaithfulness: "I will punish her for the days of the Baals to which she burned incense. She decked herself with rings and jewelry, and went after her lovers, but Me she forgot," declares the LORD. Here, the adornments symbolize Israel's infidelity and pursuit of false gods, with the dangling jewelry representing the allure and enticement of idolatrous practices. Symbolism and Spiritual Lessons The concept of items that dangle can also be seen in the symbolic language of the Bible. In Proverbs 1:9, wisdom and instruction are described metaphorically as ornaments: "For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." This imagery suggests that wisdom and godly instruction are to be worn and displayed as a sign of honor and beauty, much like physical ornaments that dangle and catch the eye. Warnings Against Vanity The Bible also cautions against excessive focus on outward adornment. In 1 Peter 3:3-4, believers are encouraged to prioritize inner beauty over external decoration: "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 passage underscores the importance of cultivating spiritual virtues over physical appearances. Conclusion While the Bible does not specifically mention "dangles," the concept is woven into the broader biblical narrative through discussions of adornment, idolatry, and spiritual symbolism. These themes serve as reminders of the importance of prioritizing spiritual integrity and devotion to God over external appearances and material possessions. Library The High Woods Thesaurus Dangles (1 Occurrence)... Multi-Version Concordance Dangles (1 Occurrence). Job 28:4 He breaks open a shaft away from where people live. They are forgotten by the foot. ... /d/dangles.htm - 6k Dangers (3 Occurrences) Dangling (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Dangles (1 Occurrence)Job 28:4 Subtopics Related Terms |