אֶצְעָדָה (ets.a.dah)
ets.a.dah
armlet
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ets‘adah refers to a piece of jewelry worn on the limbs, specifically translated as an armlet, bracelet, or ankle chain. Its meaning is defined by its placement rather than a single fixed shape, allowing it to cover any ornamental band wrapped around the arm or leg. This versatility explains why English translations sometimes vary depending on the context of the passage.
Although it appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each occurrence carries significant narrative weight. In Numbers 31:50, the Midianite women present these items as gifts to Moses and the leaders, serving as tangible tokens of their submission and the end of hostilities. Later, in II Samuel 1:10, it is mentioned among the personal belongings found on the fallen King Saul, highlighting the intimate nature of the armor and adornments he wore.
The word’s root association with wrapping or binding helps distinguish it from rigid rings. It suggests something flexible that encircles the body, marking status or beauty in a way that moves with the wearer. Whether adorning the arm or the ankle, an ets‘adah functioned as a visible sign of identity and wealth in ancient Israelite society.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ets‘adah describes a flexible band of metal or fabric wrapped around the limb, often translated as an armlet or bracelet. In ancient Israel, such jewelry was not merely decorative; it signified status, wealth, and identity. When we encounter this term in Scripture, we see how material objects carried deep spiritual and social weight.
In Numbers 31:50, the Midianite women bring these armlets as gifts to Moses. This act served as a tangible token of submission and peace after conflict, showing how physical items could bridge divides and facilitate atonement before God. Later, in II Samuel 1:10, David receives Saul’s armlet along with his crown. Here, the object marks the end of a king’s reign and the transition of power, reminding us that earthly glory is temporary.
For your faith life, this word invites reflection on what you wear as symbols of your identity in Christ. Just as an ets‘adah encircled the arm to display status, our lives are marked by the grace we receive. We do not need gold bands to prove our worth; instead, we are adorned by the Spirit, bearing fruit that reflects God’s character. Let this remind you that true honor comes from being known by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ an armlet1×
- an armlet1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/אֶצְעָדָה֙1×
- אֶצְעָדָ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 31:50
We have brought Yahweh’s offering, what every man found: gold ornaments, armlets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for our souls before Yahweh.”
This verse shows the armlet used as a gift for atonement, turning a symbol of wealth into an offering that seeks peace with God.
-
II Samuel 1:10
So I stood beside him and killed him, because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. I took the crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm, and have brought them here to my lord.”
Here the armlet is taken from Saul’s body, marking the end of his reign and serving as proof of his death to David.