נֶ֫זֶם (ne.zem)
ne.zem
ring
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 14 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word nezem refers to a ring, specifically one worn as jewelry such as an earring or nose ring. In the Old Testament, it appears fourteen times, often in narratives from Genesis, Exodus, and Judges. The term describes a circular ornament made of precious metal, typically gold, that served as a visible sign of wealth, status, or beauty.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context: when attached to a nose, it is a nose ring; when worn on an ear, it is an earring. For example, in Genesis 24:22, Abraham’s servant gives a gold nezem to Rebekah as a gift, marking her selection as Isaac’s wife. In Exodus 35:22 and Judges 8:26, the word appears in lists of personal ornaments or spoils of war, highlighting its value as portable wealth.
This word underscores how material objects carried deep social and relational weight in ancient Israelite culture. A nezem was not merely decorative; it could signify betrothal, honor, or divine favor. Translators usually render it simply as “ring” or specify “nose ring” or “earring” based on context, preserving the tangible reality of these personal adornments.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In the ancient world, a ring was more than jewelry; it was a tangible promise and a visible marker of identity. When Abraham’s servant gave Rebekah a golden nezem, he was not just offering wealth but signaling her selection as Isaac’s wife. This act showed that material gifts could carry deep relational weight, marking a new chapter in someone’s life with honor and intention.
Yet the Bible also uses this image to teach us about wisdom. Proverbs compares a beautiful woman without discretion to a gold ring in a pig’s snout. The contrast is stark: something precious placed where it does not belong loses its value and dignity. This reminds us that true beauty lies in character, not just appearance.
Similarly, Proverbs praises the wise reprover as an earring of gold to an obedient ear. Here, correction is seen as a gift, valuable and beautiful when received with humility. The nezem invites us to consider what we value and how we receive guidance from others.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 14 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a ring of3×
- the/ ring2×
- [the] rings of2×
- <the> earring of2×
- the/ rings1×
- earrings of1×
- and/ earring[s]1×
- and/ [the] rings of1×
- an earring of1×
- [the] earrings of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נֶ֣זֶם4×
- נֶ֥זֶם2×
- נִזְמֵ֤י2×
- נִזְמֵ֥י1×
- נִזְמֵ֣י1×
- וָ/נֶ֜זֶם1×
- וְ/נִזְמֵ֥י1×
- הַ/נֶּ֙זֶם֙1×
- הַ/נֶּ֗זֶם1×
- הַ/נְּזָמִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
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Genesis 24:47
I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her hands.
This verse shows the ring being placed on Rebekah’s nose, marking her selection as Isaac’s wife and signifying a covenant relationship.
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Proverbs 11:22
Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout, is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion.
The metaphor of a gold ring in a pig’s snout highlights how beauty without wisdom is misplaced and loses its dignity.
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Proverbs 25:12
As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.
This verse compares a wise reprover to a golden earring, showing that constructive correction is valuable when received with humility.
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Exodus 32:2
Aaron said to them, “Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me.”
The removal of ear rings here illustrates how religious symbols can be repurposed for idolatry when the heart turns away from God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word nezem mean?
Why is nezem mentioned in Proverbs 11:22?
How is nezem different from other jewelry terms?
Where else does nezem appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (14 verses across 6 books)
Genesis 4 verses
As the camels had finished drinking, the man took a golden ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her…
Genesis 24:30When he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister,…
Genesis 24:47I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to…
Genesis 35:4They gave to Jacob all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacob…