כּוּמָז (ku.maz)
ku.maz
bracelet
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun kûmāz refers to a golden ornament, though its precise form remains uncertain. Lexical sources suggest it may describe armlets or perhaps small tablets made of gold. This ambiguity reflects the word’s rare appearance in Scripture, occurring only twice.
Both instances appear in the detailed instructions for the Tabernacle furnishings in Exodus and Numbers. The term likely denotes a decorative element attached to sacred objects, emphasizing the precious materials used in worship. Because the exact shape is not specified, translators often render it simply as "ornaments" or "golden ornaments," leaving the visual detail to the reader’s imagination.
The scarcity of this word highlights its specialized context within Israel’s ritual life. It does not appear in narrative or poetic texts but strictly in legal descriptions of holy items. This limited usage underscores its role as a technical term for a specific type of goldwork, rather than a general word for jewelry or wealth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kûmāz appears in the Bible as a specific type of golden ornament, likely an armlet or decorative band. It is mentioned only twice, both within the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle and the account of the Israelites' offerings after the battle with Midian. These passages highlight how precious materials were gathered not for personal luxury, but to create items dedicated to God's presence.
For your faith life, this reminds us that our resources have a purpose beyond ourselves. When we bring our best gifts to God, whether they are time, talent, or treasure, we participate in creating something holy. The careful attention to these small details shows that God values the sincerity of our hearts and the beauty we offer in worship.
Even though the exact shape of a kûmāz is uncertain, its meaning is clear: it represents devotion. We can take comfort in knowing that God sees the intent behind our offerings. Just as the Israelites brought gold to honor Him, we are invited to bring our lives fully into His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ ornament[s]1×
- and/ an ornament1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/כוּמָז֙1×
- וְ/כוּמָ֑ז1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 35:22
They came, both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every man who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh.
This verse lists kûmāz among the voluntary offerings of gold brought by the people, showing it was a valued contribution to the Tabernacle's construction.
-
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.”
Here the officers present these golden ornaments as an offering to make atonement for their souls, linking the precious metal to spiritual gratitude and reverence.