Nose-jewels, also referred to as nose rings, are ornamental accessories mentioned in the Bible, primarily in the context of adornment and cultural practices in ancient Near Eastern societies. These items were typically worn by women and sometimes by men, signifying beauty, wealth, or social status.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 24:22, 47 · The earliest mention of a nose-jewel in the Bible is found in the account of Abraham's servant seeking a wife for Isaac. When Rebekah is identified as the chosen bride, the servant gives her a gold nose ring as part of the bridal gifts: "Then, as the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels for her wrists" (Genesis 24:22). Later, the servant recounts, "And I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her wrists" (Genesis 24:47). This act signifies the acceptance of Rebekah as Isaac's bride and highlights the cultural practice of giving valuable ornaments as part of marriage negotiations.

2. Isaiah 3:21 · The prophet Isaiah, in his critique of the pride and excesses of the women of Zion, lists nose-jewels among the many adornments that will be stripped away as a sign of impending judgment: "the signet rings and nose rings" (Isaiah 3:21). This passage reflects the common use of nose-jewels as part of the luxurious attire of the time, indicating both wealth and vanity.

3. Ezekiel 16:12 · In a metaphorical description of God's relationship with Jerusalem, the city is personified as a woman adorned with jewelry, including a nose ring: "And I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head" (Ezekiel 16:12). This imagery illustrates the care and attention God lavished upon Jerusalem, symbolizing His covenant relationship with His people.

Cultural and Historical Context:

Nose-jewels were common in ancient Near Eastern cultures, including among the Israelites, as evidenced by archaeological findings and historical records. These ornaments were typically made of gold or silver and varied in size and design. They were often given as gifts or as part of a dowry, symbolizing wealth and social standing.

In biblical times, jewelry, including nose-jewels, served not only as personal adornment but also as a form of portable wealth. They could be used in trade or as security for loans. The presence of nose-jewels in biblical narratives underscores their cultural significance and the role they played in social and familial relationships.

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, the mention of nose-jewels in the Bible serves as a reminder of the transient nature of material wealth and beauty. While they are depicted as symbols of blessing and favor in some contexts, they are also associated with vanity and idolatry in others. The biblical narrative often contrasts the external adornment with the inner qualities valued by God, such as humility, righteousness, and faithfulness.

In summary, nose-jewels in the Bible reflect the cultural practices of the time and serve as a metaphor for deeper spiritual truths. They highlight the tension between the temporal and the eternal, urging believers to focus on the inner adornment of the heart.Only mentioned in Isaiah 3:21, although refered to in Genesis 24:47, Proverbs 11:22, Hosea 2:13. They were among the most valued of ancient female ornaments. They "were made of ivory or metal, and occasionally jewelled. They were more than an inch in diameter, and hung upon the mouth. Eliezer gave one to Rebekah which was of gold and weighed half a shekel...At the present day the women in the country and in the desert wear these ornaments in one of the sides of the nostrils, which droop like the ears in consequence." NOSE-JEWELS

noz-ju'-elz, -joo'-elz (nezem (probably from nazam, "muzzle") a "nose-ring," or "nose-jewel," so rendered in Isaiah 3:21; "jewel in a swine's snout," Proverbs 11:22, the King James Version margin "ring"; "jewel on thy forehead," Ezekiel 16:12, "ring upon thy nose"): In Genesis 24:22, the King James Version rendered incorrectly "earring"; compare Genesis 24:47. Indeed, the word had also a more generic meaning of "ring" or "jewelry," whether worn in the nose or not. See Genesis 35:4 Exodus 32:2, where the ornament was worn in the ear. There are several cases without specification, uniformly rendered, without good reason, however, "earring" in the King James Version (Exodus 35:22 Judges 8:24, 25 Job 42:11 ("ring"); Proverbs 25:12 Hosea 2:13 (15)).

The nose-jewel was made of gold or of silver, usually, and worn by many women of the East. It was a ring of from an inch to about three inches (in extreme cases) in diameter, and was passed through the right nostril. Usually there were pendant from the metal ring jewels, beads or coral. Such ornaments are still worn in some parts of the East.

See also AMULET; JEWEL.

Edward Bagby Pollard

The Preacher as a Patriot.
... and the mufflers, the bonnets and the ornaments of the legs and the headbands, the
tablets and the earrings, the rings and nose jewels, the changeable suits of ...
/.../stalker/the preacher and his models/lecture iii the preacher as.htm

Pagans.
... In the last place, her nearest relations, to whom, on the banks of the river, she
had given her nose-jewels, came with a burning torch, and set the straw on ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/pagans.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Nosejewels
... which droop like the ears in consequence.". Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
NOSE-JEWELS. noz-ju'-elz, -joo'-elz (nezem (probably ...
/n/nosejewels.htm - 8k

Nose-jewels (1 Occurrence)
Nose-jewels. Nosejewels, Nose-jewels. Nose-ring . Easton's Bible Dictionary ...
Nosejewels, Nose-jewels. Nose-ring . Reference Bible.
/n/nose-jewels.htm - 9k

Nose (23 Occurrences)

/n/nose.htm - 19k

Nose-ring (4 Occurrences)
Nose-ring. Nose-jewels, Nose-ring. Nose-rings . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Nose-jewels, Nose-ring. Nose-rings . Reference Bible.
/n/nose-ring.htm - 7k

Ring (33 Occurrences)
... It was also a feminine ornament in Isaiah's list of the fashionable feminine
paraphernalia, "the rings and the nose-jewels" (quite likely rings also) (Isaiah ...
/r/ring.htm - 24k

Jewels (54 Occurrences)
... the jewels with secret powers, (BBE). Isaiah 3:21 The rings, and nosejewels,
(KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS). Isaiah 49:18 Let your eyes be ...
/j/jewels.htm - 23k

Woman (4043 Occurrences)
... 3:18-24: anklets, cauls, crescents, pendants, bracelets, mufflers, headtires, ankle
chains, sashes, perfume-boxes, amulets, rings, nose-jewels, festival robes ...
/w/woman.htm - 45k

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