Bible Dictionary
Earrings
Earrings were ornaments worn by women and men, commonly made of gold. In some biblical contexts they were associated with charms or idolatrous objects and were surrendered when Jacob’s household put away its foreign gods.
Definition
Earrings are ornaments worn on or near the ears, usually circular and commonly made of gold. In biblical usage, the term can sometimes refer to a nose-jewel or to amulets and charms worn by women.
Biblical Usage
Earrings were worn by both sexes and were given as gifts or offerings. Jacob’s household surrendered earrings along with foreign gods. Some earrings were associated with superstitious charms or incantations.
Historical Background
Eastern earrings could be large and decorated with jewels, talismanic figures, or characters. Their size made them valuable as presents and offerings. The supplied material notes that some forms were worn suspended from the neck or in the ears.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Rings properly for the ear (Gen. 35:4; Num. 31:50; Ezek. 16:12). In Gen. 24:47 the word means a nose-jewel, and is so rendered in the Revised Version. In Isa. 3:20 the Authorized Version has “ear-rings,” and the Revised Version “amulets,” which more correctly represents the original word (lehashim), which means incantations; charms, thus remedies against enchantment, worn either suspended from the neck or in the ears of females. Ear-rings were ornaments used by both sexes (Ex. 32:2).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
The material of which earrings were made was generally gold, (Exodus 32:2) and their form circular. They were worn by women and by youth of both sexes. These ornaments appear to have been regarded with superstitious reverence as an amulet. On this account they were surrendered along with the idols by Jacob’s household. (Genesis 35:4) Chardin describes earrings with talismanic figures and characters on them as still existing in the East. Jewels were sometimes attached to the rings. The size of the earrings still worn in eastern countries far exceeds what is usual among ourselves; hence they formed a handsome present, (Job 42:11) or offering to the service of God. (Numbers 31:50)