In biblical times, necklaces were not only ornamental but also held cultural and symbolic significance. They are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, often reflecting wealth, beauty, and status.

Old Testament References

Necklaces are first mentioned in the context of adornment and beauty. In Genesis 41:42, Pharaoh adorns Joseph with a gold chain around his neck as a sign of honor and authority: "Then Pharaoh removed his signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck." This act signifies Joseph's rise to power and the trust Pharaoh placed in him.

In the Song of Solomon, necklaces are used metaphorically to describe beauty and allure. Song of Solomon 1:10 states, "Your cheeks are beautiful with ornaments, your neck with strings of jewels." Here, the necklace enhances the beloved's beauty, symbolizing love and admiration.

Proverbs also uses the imagery of necklaces to convey wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:8-9 advises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." In this context, the necklace represents the value and beauty of wisdom and parental guidance.

New Testament References

While the New Testament does not frequently mention necklaces, the concept of adornment is addressed, particularly in the context of modesty and inner beauty. 1 Peter 3:3-4 advises women, "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 emphasizes the importance of inner character over external adornment, including necklaces.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In biblical culture, necklaces were often made of precious metals and stones, signifying wealth and status. They were worn by both men and women and could indicate social position or be used as gifts to express favor and affection. The use of necklaces in Scripture often highlights themes of honor, beauty, and the value of wisdom.

Spiritual Lessons

The biblical references to necklaces serve as reminders of the importance of inner beauty and the value of wisdom and instruction. While physical adornment can enhance appearance, the Scriptures consistently point to the greater significance of spiritual adornment and character.3558. kumaz -- (a golden ornament) perhaps a bracelet
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition (a golden ornament) perhaps a bracelet
NASB Word Usage bracelets (1), necklaces (1), though (1). tablet. ...
/hebrew/3558.htm - 6k

Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments.
... Such is the case with the stones which silly women wear fastened to chains and set
in necklaces, amethysts, ceraunites, jaspers, topaz, and the Milesian. ...
/.../the instructor paedagogus/chapter xiiiagainst excessive fondness for.htm

Among the People, and with the Pharisees
... fashionable lady was similarly adorned, adding to the bracelets finger-rings,
ankle-rings, nose-rings, ear-rings, gorgeous head-dresses, necklaces, chains, and ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 13 among the people.htm

Treatise ii. On the Dress of virgins.
... Having put on silk and purple, they cannot put on Christ; adorned with gold, and
pearls, and necklaces, they have lost the ornaments of the heart and spirit. ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise ii on the dress.htm

Occasion of Writing. Relative Position of Jews and Gentiles ...
... the Divinity, was surrendered to images; while "the people" said to Aaron, "Make
us gods to go before us." [1135] And when the gold out of the necklaces of the ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter i occasion of writing relative.htm

The Origin of Female Ornamentation, Traced Back to the Angels who ...
... properly and as it were peculiarly upon women that instrumental mean of womanly
ostentation, the radiances of jewels wherewith necklaces are variegated, and ...
/.../tertullian/on the apparel of women/chapter ii the origin of female.htm

Of the Infirmity of the Flesh, and Similar Pleas.
... about to-morrow's food and clothing, [384] promising that He knows what is needful
for each of His servants"not indeed ponderous necklaces, not burdensome ...
/.../tertullian/to his wife/chapter iv of the infirmity of.htm

Guests at an Imperial Banquet
... famous widows"Marsa, Castricia, and Epigraphia"in their upper robes of gauze, woven
in gold with scenes from the Gospels, their necklaces, their earrings ...
/.../chapter xix guests at an.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... Necklaces of large orient pearls gleamed round his neck, and over his breast hung
chains of precious stones chosen for their size and lustre. ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

To the Same Again.
... heavy weight. Ye bury your neck with necklaces; with gems and gold ye
bind hands worthy of God with an evil presage. Why should ...
/.../commodianus/the instructions of commodianus/lx to the same again.htm

The Interpretation of that Passage of the Canticles.
... Now the chains of the neck are necklaces which are composed of various precious
stones; and the souls which take care of the body, place around the outward ...
/.../chapter ii the interpretation of that.htm

Necklaces (2 Occurrences)
...Necklaces (2 Occurrences). ... Isaiah 3:18 In that day the Lord will take away the beauty
of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces, (WEB NIV). ...
/n/necklaces.htm - 7k

Necklace (9 Occurrences)

/n/necklace.htm - 10k

Neck (97 Occurrences)
... Proverbs 3:3, 12; 6:21), are translated "neck"): The neck is compared with a tower
for beauty (Songs 4:4; Songs 7:4) and is decorated with necklaces and chains ...
/n/neck.htm - 45k

Neck-ornaments (2 Occurrences)
Neck-ornaments. Necklaces, Neck-ornaments. Necks . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Necklaces, Neck-ornaments. Necks . Reference Bible.
/n/neck-ornaments.htm - 7k

Ornament (23 Occurrences)
... Genesis 24:47 Ezekiel 16:12); anklets or ankle-chains (Isaiah 3:16, 18); head-bands
or fillets or cauls (referred to in Isaiah 3:18 only), and necklaces or neck ...
/o/ornament.htm - 17k

Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... 31:50 We have brought Yahweh's offering, what every man has gotten, of jewels of
gold, armlets, and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make ...
/j/jewels.htm - 23k

Gotten (38 Occurrences)
... 31:50 We have brought Yahweh's offering, what every man has gotten, of jewels of
gold, armlets, and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make ...
/g/gotten.htm - 18k

Tablet (7 Occurrences)
... is incorrectly used in the King James Version also of what the Revised Version
(British and American) translates as "armlets," margin "necklaces" (Exodus 35:22 ...
/t/tablet.htm - 15k

Earrings (14 Occurrences)
... 31:50 We have brought Yahweh's offering, what every man has gotten, of jewels of
gold, armlets, and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make ...
/e/earrings.htm - 11k

Metal (69 Occurrences)
... Amber bracelets and necklaces are highly prized by the Orientals-especially
Jewesses-today, and they are credited with medicinal properties. ...
/m/metal.htm - 30k

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