Topical Encyclopedia Anklets, ornamental bands worn around the ankle, are mentioned in the Bible as part of the attire of women, often associated with adornment and beauty. In the ancient Near Eastern context, anklets were commonly worn by women as decorative items and sometimes held cultural or social significance.Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to anklets is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet Isaiah speaks against the pride and ostentation of the women of Jerusalem. In Isaiah 3:16-18 , the Lord addresses the haughty daughters of Zion: "The LORD also says: 'Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling their anklets, the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.'" This passage highlights the use of anklets as part of the luxurious and ostentatious attire that characterized the women of Jerusalem, which was seen as a reflection of their pride and moral decline. The jingling of the anklets is noted, suggesting that they were not only visual adornments but also auditory, drawing attention to the wearer. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient world, jewelry such as anklets was often made from precious metals and stones, indicating wealth and status. Anklets could be simple bands or more elaborate pieces with intricate designs and embellishments. They were sometimes worn in pairs and could be connected by chains, which would produce a distinctive sound when the wearer walked. The use of anklets in biblical times can be understood within the broader context of ancient fashion and personal adornment. Jewelry was an important aspect of personal identity and social status, and it was common for women to wear various types of jewelry, including earrings, bracelets, and necklaces, in addition to anklets. Symbolism and Interpretation: From a biblical perspective, the mention of anklets in Isaiah serves as a symbol of vanity and the misplaced priorities of the people of Jerusalem. The prophet's critique is not merely about the physical adornment but about the spiritual condition it represents. The emphasis on external beauty and wealth is contrasted with the inner qualities that God values, such as humility and righteousness. The Bible often uses physical adornment as a metaphor for spiritual truths. In this context, the anklets symbolize the superficial and transient nature of worldly beauty and the dangers of pride and self-indulgence. The prophetic message calls for a return to genuine devotion and a focus on the inner qualities that reflect God's character. Conclusion: While anklets are mentioned only briefly in the Bible, their inclusion in the prophetic literature serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of aligning one's outward appearance with inner spiritual values. The biblical narrative encourages believers to seek beauty that is not merely external but rooted in a heart devoted to God. Smith's Bible Dictionary AnkletThis word does not occur in the Authorized Version; but anklets are referred to in (Isaiah 3:16,18,20) They were fastened to the ankle band of each leg; were as common as bracelets and armlets and made of much the same material. The pleasant jingling and tinkling which they made as they knocked against each other was no doubt one of the reasons why they were admired, They are still worn in the East. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) An ornament or a fetter for the ankle; an ankle ring.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ANKLET; ANKLE-CHAINan'-klet, an'-k'-l-chan: "Anklets" is rightly found in Isaiah 3:18 the Revised Version (British and American), and "ankle-chains" in Numbers 31:50 the Revised Version (British and American). A cognate word of essentially the same meaning is used in Isaiah 3:20, and is rendered by the King James Version "ornaments of the legs." It was these "anklets" that Isaiah represented the ladies of Jerusalem as "rattling" as they walked (Isaiah 3:16 to end), "making a tinkling with their feet"; and a part of the punishment threatened is, "The Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet" (Isaiah 3:16 the King James Version). Strong's Hebrew 5914. ekes -- an anklet, bangle... 5913, 5914. ekes. 5915 . an anklet, bangle. Transliteration: ekes Phonetic Spelling: (eh'-kes) Short Definition: anklets. Word Origin ... /hebrew/5914.htm - 6k 5915. Aksah -- a daughter of Caleb Library It is not Enough that God Know us to be Chaste: we must Seem So ... Andromeda Thesaurus Anklet... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) An ornament or a fetter for the ankle; an ankle ring. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANKLET; ANKLE-CHAIN. ... /a/anklet.htm - 7k Achsah (5 Occurrences) Jewel (12 Occurrences) Proper (62 Occurrences) Ankle-chain Anklechain Anklets (1 Occurrence) Ankle (2 Occurrences) Ankles (5 Occurrences) Elamarna Resources Anklet: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |