A signet, often referred to as a signet ring, is a small seal used historically to authenticate documents, mark ownership, or signify authority. In biblical times, signets were typically engraved with a unique design or emblem, often representing the identity or authority of the owner. These seals were pressed into clay or wax to leave an impression, serving as a signature or mark of authenticity.

Biblical References and Usage

Signets are mentioned several times throughout the Bible, highlighting their importance in ancient Near Eastern culture. They were symbols of power, authority, and personal identity.

1. Judah and Tamar: One of the earliest mentions of a signet is in the account of Judah and Tamar. In Genesis 38:18, Judah gives Tamar his signet, along with his cord and staff, as a pledge for a young goat he promised her. The signet here represents Judah's personal identity and authority. "He asked, 'What pledge should I give you?' She answered, 'Your seal and cord, and the staff in your hand.' So he gave them to her and slept with her, and she conceived by him" (Genesis 38:18).

2. Pharaoh and Joseph: In Genesis 41:42, Pharaoh uses his signet ring to elevate Joseph to a position of authority in Egypt. The act of giving Joseph the signet ring symbolizes the transfer of authority and trust. "Then Pharaoh removed the 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" (Genesis 41:42).

3. Ahasuerus and Mordecai: In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus uses his signet ring to authorize decrees. After Haman's downfall, the king gives his signet ring to Mordecai, empowering him to write edicts on behalf of the king. "The king took off his signet ring, which he had recovered from Haman, and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed him over the estate of Haman" (Esther 8:2).

4. Zerubbabel: In Haggai 2:23, God speaks to Zerubbabel, declaring him as His signet ring, symbolizing divine approval and authority. "On that day, declares the LORD of Hosts, I will take you, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, My servant, declares the LORD, and I will make you like My signet ring, for I have chosen you, declares the LORD of Hosts" (Haggai 2:23).

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In ancient cultures, signets were not merely functional but also held significant symbolic meaning. They were often worn as rings, making them both practical and personal. The engraving on a signet was unique to the owner, often depicting family crests, symbols, or inscriptions that conveyed authority and authenticity.

The use of signets in the Bible underscores themes of authority, identity, and covenant. They were instruments through which individuals exercised power and confirmed agreements. The transfer of a signet ring often signified a transfer of authority or trust, as seen in the accounts of Joseph and Mordecai.

Spiritual Implications

From a spiritual perspective, the concept of a signet can be seen as a metaphor for God's authority and ownership over His people. Just as a signet leaves an impression, believers are called to bear the image of God, reflecting His character and authority in the world. The imagery of God making Zerubbabel His signet ring in Haggai 2:23 highlights the idea of being chosen and set apart for a divine purpose.

In summary, signets in the Bible serve as powerful symbols of authority, identity, and divine approval, reflecting both cultural practices and spiritual truths.

The Wisdom of Business and the Wisdom of Leisure
... So is every artificer and workmaster, that passeth his time by night as by day;
they that cut gravings of signets, and his diligence is to make great variety ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/vi the wisdom of business.htm

The Treasure Cave
... gold; images of Isis in lapis lazuli and amethyst; scarabs in garnets and hematite,
Khem in obsidian, Bast in carnelian, Besa in serpentine, signets in jasper ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xx the treasure cave.htm

Christian Morals. Part iii.
... Let the mortifying Janus of Covarrubias [153] be in thy daily thoughts, not only
on thy hand and signets. Rely not alone upon fluent and dumb remembrances. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/christian morals/christian morals part iii.htm

Of Images, and the Ornaments of Temples, and the Contempt in which ...
... Olympian Jupiter. [De Nat. Deor., iii. 34.]. [152] Sigilla. The word is
also used to denote seals, or signets. [153] Equuleus: an ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap iv of images and the.htm

Appendix v. Rabbinic Theology and Literature
... Mishnah 2. Three mothers - {hebrew} - a great mystery, marvellous and hidden, and
sealed with six signets, and from them go forth fire and water, and divide ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix v rabbinic theology and.htm

Signets (4 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Signets (4 Occurrences). Exodus 28:11 With the work
of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet ...
/s/signets.htm - 7k

Seal (47 Occurrences)
... in Egypt, Babylonia and Assyria. Herodotus (i.195) records the Babylonian
custom of wearing signets. In Babylonia the seal generally ...
/s/seal.htm - 38k

Crafts (2 Occurrences)
... It is doubtful how many of the signets found in Palestine are Hebrew work,
as the engraved devices are mostly Phoenician or Egyptian. ...
/c/crafts.htm - 30k

Ouches (8 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold,
graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. ...
/o/ouches.htm - 10k

Graven (61 Occurrences)
... Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold, graven, as
signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/g/graven.htm - 27k

Inclosed (12 Occurrences)
... (ASV JPS). Exodus 39:6 And they wrought onyx stones inclosed in ouches of gold,
graven, as signets are graven, with the names of the children of Israel. ...
/i/inclosed.htm - 9k

Engraver (3 Occurrences)
... The chief business of the engraver was cutting names or devices on rings and seals
and signets (Exodus 28:11, 21, 36; Genesis 38:18). Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/e/engraver.htm - 8k

Carving (5 Occurrences)
... The signets and scarabs are examples of this class of carving. Several Hebrew
words have been translated "carved" in the King James Version. ...
/c/carving.htm - 10k

Significance (2 Occurrences)

/s/significance.htm - 7k

Signet-rings (2 Occurrences)
Signet-rings. Signet-clay, Signet-rings. Signets . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See JPS ASV). Signet-clay, Signet-rings. Signets . Reference Bible.
/s/signet-rings.htm - 7k

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