Jewelry is an integral component of many Bible verses, serving as powerful metaphors, tokens of wealth, beauty or humility, and even as instruments of idolatry. Throughout the Old and New Testament, there are insights about jewelry’s role in society and spiritual life. This summary presents an objective exploration of Biblical references to personal adornment, without delving into theological interpretation or personal sentiments about the subject.
What Role Does Jewelry Play in the Bible?
Though jewelry does not play a central theological role in the Bible, it often appears in narrative contexts as an indicator of wealth, prosperity, beauty, and idolatry. For instance, in Genesis, Abraham’s servant gives Rebekah nose rings and bracelets as dowry. Meanwhile, in Revelation, the adorned Bride of Christ is symbolic of the Church. The interpretation of these uses of jewelry significantly varies among different Christian communities, with the understanding ranging from literal to metaphorical.
Where Is Jewelry Highlighted as a Symbol of Wealth and Prosperity?
Jewelry frequently acts as a marker of prosperity in the Bible. Notably, in Exodus, the Israelites donate their earrings to the creation of the Golden Calf, thus indicating their accumulated wealth during their time in Egypt. Similarly, Job receives rings of gold from his friends as a token of his regained prosperity. The Proverbs 31 woman also wears fine linen and purple, potentially signifying prosperity.
Why Is Jewelry Seen as a Mark of Beauty?
Jewelry is often associated with beauty in the Bible, though its use can sometimes be associated with vanity, and beauty is not limited to outward appearance. For example, in the Song of Solomon, the bride is adorned with jewels, symbolizing her beauty and worth. Conversely, in Ezekiel, Israel is chastised for using its gold and silver – perhaps symbolizing the misuse of beauty for vanity. The Apostle Peter, in his first epistle, urges women to strive for inner beauty rather than giving undue attention to outward adornment such as the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry.
Why Does Jewelry Sometimes Symbolize Idolatry?
Jewelry in the Bible can symbolize idolatry or shifting priorities away from God. For example, in Exodus, the Israelites melt down their jewelry to create the Golden Calf, an act of idolatry. Later, in Hosea, God chastises Israel for attributing their prosperity, symbolized by jewelry, to pagan gods. The message here seems to caution against placing physical adornments or material wealth above spiritual devotion.
Who in the Bible is Noted for Using Jewelry?
Certain Biblical figures notably incorporate jewelry into their narratives. For instance, Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, is given nose rings and bracelets as tokens of marriage. The Queen of Sheba presents King Solomon with gold and precious stones. The Prodigal Son is given a robe, ring and sandals upon his return home, while the rich man in Luke is dressed in purple and fine linen. These instances testify to jewelry’s recurring themes in Biblical narratives, laden with cultural and spiritual nuances.
Below is our full list of bible verses on jewelry (King James Version – KJV) provided in ranked order.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Jewelry
1 Timothy 2:9
“9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”
1 Peter 3:3
“3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;”
Related Themes: Gold Humility Self-Esteem Beauty
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
Isaiah 61:10
“10 I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
1 Peter 3:3-4
“3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Related Themes: Gold Humility Self-Esteem Beauty
Isaiah 3:16-24
“16 Moreover the LORD saith, Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet:17 Therefore the Lord will smite with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will discover their secret parts.18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,21 The rings, and nose jewels,22 The changeable suits of apparel, and the mantles, and the wimples, and the crisping pins,23 The glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the vails.24 And it shall come to pass, that instead of sweet smell there shall be stink; and instead of a girdle a rent; and instead of well set hair baldness; and instead of a stomacher a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty.”
Related Themes: Pride Indulgence Dressing
Exodus 35:22
“22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold: and every man that offered offered an offering of gold unto the LORD.”
Related Themes: Gold
1 Peter 3:1-6
“1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.”
1 Peter 3:4
“4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.”
Related Themes: Humility Meekness Gentleness
Genesis 24:53
“53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.”
Related Themes: Gold
Luke 15:22
“22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:”
Related Themes: Gold
Leviticus 19:28
“28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.”
Related Themes: Youth Hair Modesty Cleanliness
Genesis 24:22
“22 And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;”
Related Themes: Gold
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
Exodus 3:22
“22 But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.”
Related Themes: Gold
Psalm 23:1-6
“1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.”
Related Themes: Criticism Gossip Life Hope Omnipotence
Deuteronomy 22:5
“5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.”
Numbers 31:50
“50 We have therefore brought an oblation for the LORD, what every man hath gotten, of jewels of gold, chains, and bracelets, rings, earrings, and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the LORD.”
Related Themes: Gold
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Ezekiel 16:8-14
“8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord GOD, and thou becamest mine.9 Then washed I thee with water; yea, I throughly washed away thy blood from thee, and I anointed thee with oil.10 I clothed thee also with broidered work, and shod thee with badgers’ skin, and I girded thee about with fine linen, and I covered thee with silk.11 I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.12 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.13 Thus wast thou decked with gold and silver; and thy raiment was of fine linen, and silk, and broidered work; thou didst eat fine flour, and honey, and oil: and thou wast exceeding beautiful, and thou didst prosper into a kingdom.14 And thy renown went forth among the heathen for thy beauty: for it was perfect through my comeliness, which I had put upon thee, saith the Lord GOD.”
Related Themes: Marriage
Genesis 35:4
“4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.”
Jeremiah 2:32
“32 Can a maid forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.”
2 Kings 9:30
“30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window.”
Related Themes: Hair
Matthew 7:6
“6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
Related Themes: Judging Others Self Respect Criticism
Proverbs 25:12
“12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Revelation 21:2
“2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.”
Related Themes: Gold Earth Abomination
Song of Solomon 1:10-11
“10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.11 We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.”
Related Themes: Gold
1 Peter 3:1-5
“1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:”
Isaiah 3:18-20
“18 In that day the Lord will take away the bravery of their tinkling ornaments about their feet, and their cauls, and their round tires like the moon,19 The chains, and the bracelets, and the mufflers,20 The bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings,”
Related Themes: Gold
