Necklaces in the Bible 

In the Scripture, there are a number of references to individuals, both men and women, who have worn necklaces.  Interestingly enough the scriptural references to necklaces are only found in the Old Testament.  Additionally, the necklace is not specifically used anywhere in the Bible.

In general terms, the necklace referred to and worn is basically the same necklaces that are worn in today’s society.  Specifically, those necklaces are worn around the neck and were braided together through a linking process.  Additionally, the necklaces could be comprised of rings.

Often the necklaces were made of gold, but were sometimes comprised of jewels strung together.

Interestingly, these adornments were not only worn by people, but also certain animals owned by specific important individuals in the Bible had these embellishments placed around their animal’s neck as well.

In addition to generalizing the use of necklaces as found in the Scriptures, it may prove interesting to note certain occasions, celebrations and moments of honor in which these types of jewelry were either placed on the individual or removed from the individual.

When looking at various Scripture verses in The Word, there are numerous verses that deal with God’s displeasure at His people.  In some of those Scriptures there are metaphors that compare the sins of His people to an unfaithful partner.  Such verses as  Jeremiah 2:32 (KJV)  which declares, “Can a maid forget her ornaments, or bride her attire?  Yet my people have forgotten me days without number.”  Or Jeremiah 4:30 (KJV) which states, “And when thou art spoiled, what wilt thou do?  Though thou clothest thyself with crimson, though thou deckest thee with ornaments of gold, though thou rentest thy face with painting, in vain shalt thou make thyself fair; thy lovers will despise thee, they will seek thy life.”

Additionally, God’s love is revealed in Ezekiel 16:11(KJV) when he says, “I decked thee also with ornaments, and I put bracelets upon thy hands, and a chain on thy neck.” However, God is spurned and his broken heart is revealed in Ezekiel 23:40 (KJV) as he laments, “And furthermore, that ye have sent for men to come from far, unto whom a messenger was sent; and, lo, they came:  for whom thou didst wash thyself, paintedst thy eyes, and deckedst thyself with ornaments.”

In a beautiful manner, necklaces or ornaments can be symbolic of elevating an individual or honoring an individual.  This particular action is seen in Genesis 41:42 (KJV); “And Pharaoh took off his ring from his hand, and put it upon Joseph’s hand, and arrayed him in vestures of fine linen, and put a gold chain about his neck…”   Joseph, through the gift of God, was able to interept the dreams of Pharoah relative to the bounty that Egypt was to experience and then the famine.  Pharoah recognized the uniqueness of Joseph due to his relationship with God and honored that godliness by placing his ring on Joseph’s finger and adorning his neck with a gold chain.

Another instance of an uncompromising believer being honored for their faithfulness is found in the Book of Daniel.  Daniel 5:29 (KJV ) reads,  “Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.”  This adornment was due to the fact that Daniel was given the interpretation of the writing of the fingers from a hand on a wall.  The godliness of Daniel was honored through the placement of a gold chain around his neck and being adorned with regal clothing.

Consequently, we see the value of jewelry in honoring someone who is highly esteemed and appreciated.

Also, the wisdom of our earthly parents should be heeded and embraced as seen in Proverbs 1:9 (KJV); “For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about the neck.”  What beautiful symbolism as the valued instruction of our parents adorn our lifes like a beautiful necklace.

Finally, for the Christian, it is God’s adorning that we should crave or desire.  Ezekiel 16:12 (KJV), God lovingly says; “And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.”  This adornment is so symbolic of God’s grace and beauty by creating us into new creatures.

Also, in Luke 15:22 (KJV) the prodigal returns after squandering his inheritance and the father’s response?  The father’s response was not hate or unforgiveness or disownment…“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:”

God adorns the repentant prodigal or individual who cries out for forgiveness with His grace of adornment.  A spiritual ring symbolizing a spiritual union and a necklace of love symbolizing his adoration and being the apple of His eye.

Category: Gold Chains, Gold Jewelry, Gold Necklaces, Jewelry History, Jewelry in the Bible