Ring

Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)

Used as an ornament to decorate the fingers, arms, wrists, and also the ears and the nose. Rings were used as a signet (Gen. 38:18). They were given as a token of investment with authority (Gen. 41:42; Esther 3:8-10; 8:2), and of favour and dignity (Luke 15:22). They were generally worn by rich men (James 2:2). They are mentioned by Isiah (3:21) among the adornments of Hebrew women.

Scripture References

ISBE

(Anglo-Saxon, Hring, "ring"): The word renders (the American Standard Revised Version) two Hebrew words (in the King James Version and the English Revised Version three) and two Greek words. Tabba`ath, the principal Hebrew word, is from Tabha`, "sink," either because the ring is something "cast" or molded, or, more probably, since the principal use of the ring was as a seal, because it "sank" into the wax or clay that received the impression. In Exodus, Tabba`ath, "ring," is a detail of furniture or equipment, as the rings of the ark through which the staves were thrust ( Ex 25:12 , etc.), rings for curtains, in the high priest's ephod ( Ex 28:28 ; 39:21 ), etc. Its other use was perhaps the original, to describe the article of personal adornment worn on the finger, apparently in the Old Testament always a signet-ring, and as such an indispensable article of masculine attire. Such a ring Pharaoh gave Joseph as a symbol of authority ( Ge 41:42 ); and Ahasuerus gave Haman ( Es 3:10 ); with it the royal missive was sealed ( Es 3:12 ; 8:8 twice,10). 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) ( Isa 3:21 ). Either as ornaments or for their intrinsic value, or both, rings were used as gifts for sacred purposes from both men and women: "brooches, and ear-rings, and signet-rings" (margin "nose-rings") ( Ex 35:22 ); "bracelets, rings (the American Standard Revised Version "signet-rings"), ear-rings" ( Nu 31:50 the King James Version). chotham, "signet," mentioned in Ge 38:18 , 25 ; Ex 28:11 , 21 , 36 ; Ex 39:6 , 14 , 30 ; Jer 22:24 ; Hag 2:23 , etc., was probably usually a seal ring, but in Ge 38 and elsewhere the seal may have been swung on wire, and suspended by a cord from the neck. It was not only an identification, but served as a stamp for signature. galil, "circle" (compare "Galilee," "Circle" of the Gentiles), rendered "ring" in Es 1:6 ; So 5:14 , may rather mean "cylinder" or "rod" of metal. Earring (which see) in the King James Version is from totally different words: nezem, whose etymology is unknown, aghil, "round," or lachash, "amulet"; so the Revised Version (British and American). The "rings" of the wheels in Eze 1:18 (the King James Version) are gabh, "curved," and mean "rims" (American Standard Revised Version), "felloes." Egyptians especially wore a great profusion of rings, principally of silver or gold, engraved with scarabaei, or other devices. In the New Testament the ring, daktulios, "finger-ring," is a token of means, position, standing: "put a ring on his hand" ( Lu 15:22 ). Perhaps also it included the right to give orders in his father's name. To be chrusodaktulios, "golden-ringed," perhaps with more than one, indicated wealth and social rank: "a man with a gold ring" ( Jas 2:2 ). See also EARRING ; SIGNET ; SEAL . Philip Wendell Crannell

Smith's Bible Dictionary (1863)

The ring was regarded as an indispensable article of a Hebrew’s attire, inasmuch as it contained his signet. It was hence the symbol of authority. (Genesis 41:42; Esther 3:10) Rings were worn not only by men, but by women. (Isaiah 3:21) We may conclude from (Exodus 28:11) that the rings contained a stone engraven with a device or with the owner’s name. The custom appears also to have prevailed among the Jews of the apostolic age. (James 2:2)

Scripture References