Bible Dictionary
BROOCH
A brooch was a piece of jewelry or a fastening ornament. In Exodus 35:22, the term likely refers to a gold nose-ring or similar ornament brought by Israelite men and women as an offering.
Definition
A brooch is a piece of jewelry or a fastening ornament. In the Revised Version, the term translates a plural word in Exodus 35:22 for gold ornaments brought by Israelite men and women as offerings.
Biblical Usage
The ornaments were presented as part of Israel’s offerings. The passage does not assign them a separate religious function beyond their contribution as gold jewelry.
Historical Background
The supplied account considers “brooches” unoriental and says the Hebrew word most likely means nose-rings. Related ornaments include bracelets and rings.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>broch (chach): Used in plural by the Revised Version (British and American) (the King James Version "bracelets") for a class of "jewels of gold" brought as offerings by both men and women of Israel (Ex 35:22). "Brooches," as Mackie says, is unoriental. The Hebrew word means most likely nose-rings.</p><p>See BRACELET; RING.</p>