A jeweler in biblical times was an artisan skilled in the crafting, setting, and trading of precious stones and metals. The role of the jeweler is evident throughout the Scriptures, reflecting the importance of jewelry in ancient Near Eastern culture for both ornamental and religious purposes.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible frequently mentions jewelry, indicating its significance in ancient Israelite society. Jewelry was often used to signify wealth, status, and beauty, as well as to serve religious functions. The craft of the jeweler is implicitly referenced in several passages, highlighting the skill and artistry involved in creating these items.

Exodus and the Tabernacle

One of the most detailed accounts of jewelry and craftsmanship is found in the construction of the Tabernacle. In Exodus 31:3-5 , God appoints Bezalel, filling him "with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in all kinds of craftsmanship, to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, to cut gemstones for settings, and to carve wood, so that he may be a master of every craft." This passage underscores the divine inspiration and skill required in the work of a jeweler, particularly in the service of God.

The high priest's breastplate, described in Exodus 28:17-20 , was adorned with twelve precious stones, each representing one of the tribes of Israel. The precise arrangement and setting of these stones required the expertise of a skilled jeweler, emphasizing the importance of their role in religious observance.

Jewelry as Symbolism

Jewelry in the Bible often carries symbolic meaning. In Ezekiel 16:11-13 , God describes adorning Jerusalem with jewelry as a metaphor for 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. So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth."

Proverbs and Wisdom Literature

The Book of Proverbs also makes reference to jewelry, using it as a metaphor for wisdom and virtue. Proverbs 25:12 states, "Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear." Here, the jeweler's craft is likened to the value and beauty of wise counsel.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, jewelry is mentioned in the context of modesty and inner beauty. 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises, "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 reflects a shift in focus from external adornment to internal virtues, yet acknowledges the cultural presence of jewelry.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Jewelry in biblical times was crafted from materials such as gold, silver, bronze, and various precious stones. The jeweler's work was not only a trade but also an art form, requiring a deep understanding of materials and techniques. Jewelry served as a form of currency, a symbol of covenant relationships, and a means of personal adornment.

The role of the jeweler, while not always explicitly mentioned, is woven throughout the biblical narrative, illustrating the intersection of artistry, commerce, and spirituality in ancient Israel.(n.) One who makes, or deals in, jewels, precious stones, and similar ornaments.5345. neqeb -- perhaps sockets (technical term of jeweler's work)
... 5344b, 5345. neqeb. 5346 . perhaps sockets (technical term of jeweler's work).
Transliteration: neqeb Phonetic Spelling: (neh'keb) Short Definition: sockets ...
/hebrew/5345.htm - 6k

2796. charash -- engraver, artificer
... NASB Word Usage artisan (1), blacksmith (1), carpenters (4), carpenters* (4), craftsman
(7), craftsmen (10), engraver (2), jeweler* (1), manufacturers (1 ...
/hebrew/2796.htm - 6k

68. eben -- a stone
... root Definition a stone NASB Word Usage another (1), charm* (1), cornerstone* (1),
death (1), differing weights (3), hailstones* (4), jeweler* (1), lapis lazuli ...
/hebrew/68.htm - 6k

My Call to the Ministry
... Sometimes when I was not near a jeweler, my watch would get out of repair, and I
would earnestly ask the Lord to fix it for me, provided he could do so without ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter vii my call to.htm

The Doctrine of God
... "What! no God? A watch, and no key for it? A watch with a main-spring broken,
and no jeweler to fix it? A watch, and no repair shop? ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of god.htm

Striking Similes
... A hand icily cold and clammy as death. A heart from which noble sentiments sprang
like sparks from an anvil. A jeweler that glittered like his shop. ...
/.../kleiser/fifteen thousand useful phrases/section viii striking similes.htm

The Grace of God
... If one should enter a jewelry store and ask to see a diamond, or any other precious
stone, the jeweler would first spread upon his show case a black cloth and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapman/and judas iscariot/the grace of god.htm

Dessler
... Dessler. Dessler, Wolfgang Christopher, was born at Nuremberg February 11, 1660.
His father was a jeweler, and wished his son to follow the same trade. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/dessler.htm

Eighth Commandment
... The story is told that one of Queen Victoria's diamonds valued at [USD]600,000 was
stolen from a jeweler's window, to whom it had been given to set. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/eighth commandment.htm

Christ Teaching by Miracles
... will help?". He went to the nearest jeweler's, and telling how he had found
the precious jewels, borrowed some money on them. On ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/christ teaching by miracles.htm

Moody's Stories
... The story is told that a royal diamond valued at [USD]600,000 was stolen from
a window of a jeweler, to whom it had been given to set. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm

Jeweler (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who makes, or deals in, jewels, precious stones,
and similar ornaments. Multi-Version Concordance Jeweler (1 Occurrence). ...
/j/jeweler.htm - 6k

Jewel (12 Occurrences)

/j/jewel.htm - 12k

Jewelled (2 Occurrences)

/j/jewelled.htm - 7k

Jewelry (18 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The art or trade of a jeweler. 2. (n.) Jewels,
collectively; as, a bride's jewelry. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/j/jewelry.htm - 11k

Amethyst (3 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A variety of crystallized quartz, of a purple or bluish violet color,
of different shades. It is much used as a jeweler's stone. ...
/a/amethyst.htm - 8k

Jeweler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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