Wearing Jewelry
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Introduction:
The topic of wearing jewelry in the Bible is addressed in various contexts, ranging from expressions of beauty and wealth to symbols of idolatry and pride. The Bible provides both positive and negative perspectives on the adornment of jewelry, reflecting the cultural and spiritual significance it held in biblical times.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, jewelry is often associated with wealth and status. For instance, Abraham's servant gave Rebekah a gold nose ring and bracelets as a sign of Isaac's wealth and intention to marry her (Genesis 24:22). Jewelry was also used in the construction of the Tabernacle, as the Israelites donated their gold earrings and other ornaments for the creation of sacred objects (Exodus 35:22).

However, jewelry is also depicted negatively when associated with idolatry. The Israelites' creation of the golden calf, using their jewelry, is a notable example of this (Exodus 32:2-4). The prophets often used jewelry metaphorically to describe Israel's unfaithfulness, as seen in Ezekiel 16:11-13, where God adorns Jerusalem with jewelry, only for her to misuse it in idolatrous practices.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, the focus shifts from external adornment to inner beauty and modesty. The Apostle Paul advises women to dress modestly and not to focus on elaborate hairstyles or gold jewelry, but rather on good deeds (1 Timothy 2:9-10). Similarly, Peter encourages women to let their beauty come from a gentle and quiet spirit rather than outward adornment (1 Peter 3:3-4).

Cultural and Spiritual Significance:
Jewelry in biblical times was not merely decorative but often carried cultural and spiritual significance. It could signify marital status, social rank, or religious devotion. The high priest's breastplate, adorned with precious stones, was a symbol of his role as mediator between God and the Israelites (Exodus 28:17-21).

Moral and Ethical Considerations:
The Bible's teachings on jewelry emphasize the importance of the heart's condition over outward appearance. While jewelry itself is not condemned, the Bible warns against allowing it to become an idol or a source of pride. The emphasis is on modesty, humility, and the cultivation of inner virtues.

Conclusion:
The biblical perspective on wearing jewelry is multifaceted, reflecting both the cultural practices of the time and the spiritual lessons intended for God's people. The scriptures encourage believers to prioritize inner beauty and godliness over external adornment, using jewelry as a metaphor for spiritual truths and moral teachings.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Peter 3:3-4
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Topicalbible.org

1 Peter 3:3
Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
Topicalbible.org

Numbers 31:50
We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man has gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.
Topicalbible.org

Isaiah 61:10
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Topicalbible.org

1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
Topicalbible.org

1 Timothy 2:9
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with modesty and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
Topicalbible.org

Genesis 24:22
And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;
Topicalbible.org

Ezekiel 13:20
Why thus said the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against your pillows, with which you there hunt the souls to make them fly, and I will tear them from your arms, and will let the souls go, even the souls that you hunt to make them fly.
Topicalbible.org

Ezekiel 13:18
And say, Thus said the Lord GOD; Woe to the women that sew pillows to all armholes, and make kerchiefs on the head of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people, and will you save the souls alive that come to you?
Topicalbible.org

Greek
5554. chrusodaktulios -- with a gold ring
... with a gold ring. From chrusos and daktulios; gold-ringed, ie Wearing a golden
finger-ring or similar jewelry -- with a gold ring. see GREEK chrusos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5554.htm - 6k
Library

On Dress.
... holiness. The putting on of apparel for adornment and the wearing of jewelry
are not consistent with Christian modesty. The nude ...
/.../orr/food for the lambs or helps for young christians/on dress.htm

Biographical Sketch
... her hand up for Mr. Wesley to see, he said, "What do you think of this sir, for
a Methodist's hand?" (Wesley's aversion for the wearing of jewelry was well ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/biographical sketch.htm

Letter xiv. Dress.
... text quoted at the commencement of this letter, directs women to adorn themselves
with modest apparel; and forbids the wearing of costly ornaments and jewelry. ...
/.../newcomb/a practical directory for young christian females/letter xiv dress.htm

Pagan Shrines and Temples.
... twelve and a half pounds, and was muffled in ornaments and jewelry beyond conception. ...
Second, that ladies who are wearing mourning shall lay aside that sign of ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter ii pagan shrines and.htm

The Waldenses.
... "They carried silks, jewelry, and other ... He had made his way to other lands, or he
was wearing out his life in some unknown dungeon, or perhaps his bones were ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /4 the waldenses.htm

The Waldenses
... "They carried silks, jewelry, and other ... He had made his way to other lands, or he
was wearing out his life in some unknown dungeon, or perhaps his bones were ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 4 the waldenses.htm

Pagan Cemeteries.
... decorations almost intact: paintings, bas-reliefs, mosaics, inscriptions, lamps,
jewelry, statues, busts ... great beauty, with a female body in it, wearing a knot ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter vi pagan cemeteries.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... was sent for to go to her husband; and then she up and told us how she had seen
him in a dream, dwelling in a curious place, among immortals, wearing a crown ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Resources
Why does the Bible speak against wearing clothing made of different types of fabric? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about wearing hats in church? | GotQuestions.org

Should Christian women wear makeup or jewelry? | GotQuestions.org

Wearing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Wearing

Wearing Earrings

Wearing Hats

Wearing Jewelry

Wearing Makeup

Wearing Mixed Linens

Wearing Pants

Wearing Uniforms

Related Terms

Amulet

Wear (56 Occurrences)

Wardrobe (4 Occurrences)

Wore (19 Occurrences)

Rings (46 Occurrences)

Meetings (14 Occurrences)

Shabby (1 Occurrence)

Robe (142 Occurrences)

Pontius (4 Occurrences)

Garment (143 Occurrences)

Clothes (208 Occurrences)

Ahijah (23 Occurrences)

Meeting (323 Occurrences)

Crown (94 Occurrences)

Suppose (47 Occurrences)

Gold (429 Occurrences)

Clothing (288 Occurrences)

Ephod (45 Occurrences)

High (4559 Occurrences)

Weariness (44 Occurrences)

Hair (135 Occurrences)

Rome (12 Occurrences)

Youth (169 Occurrences)

Nakedness (50 Occurrences)

Naked (56 Occurrences)

Nostrils (22 Occurrences)

Nose (23 Occurrences)

Outward (17 Occurrences)

Ornament (23 Occurrences)

Jewels (54 Occurrences)

Jewelry (18 Occurrences)

Luxurious (9 Occurrences)

Luxury (8 Occurrences)

Grate (6 Occurrences)

Garments (232 Occurrences)

Glad (421 Occurrences)

Girdle (44 Occurrences)

Goatskins (8 Occurrences)

Gird (44 Occurrences)

Wedding (24 Occurrences)

Wool (34 Occurrences)

Worn-out (4 Occurrences)

Wreath (21 Occurrences)

Waist (36 Occurrences)

Wearisome (3 Occurrences)

Wedding-robe (1 Occurrence)

Ichabod (2 Occurrences)

Inferior (14 Occurrences)

I-chabod's (1 Occurrence)

Ich'abod's (1 Occurrence)

I-chabod (2 Occurrences)

Ichabod's (1 Occurrence)

Fasting (34 Occurrences)

Fisherman's (1 Occurrence)

Flash (19 Occurrences)

Tressing (1 Occurrence)

Thorns (56 Occurrences)

Tishbite (6 Occurrences)

Robed (9 Occurrences)

Ragged (1 Occurrence)

Ringed (2 Occurrences)

External-braiding (1 Occurrence)

Extra (4 Occurrences)

Discovered (46 Occurrences)

Decoration (1 Occurrence)

Durable (2 Occurrences)

Dinner (23 Occurrences)

Dresses (4 Occurrences)

Dance (18 Occurrences)

Mourn (87 Occurrences)

Masquerade (1 Occurrence)

Phylactery

Pledge (55 Occurrences)

Priest (500 Occurrences)

Plaiting (3 Occurrences)

Purple (54 Occurrences)

Palaces (37 Occurrences)

Bare (250 Occurrences)

Braided (10 Occurrences)

Wearing Hats
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