from נָטַף; a pendant for the ears (especially of pearls); chain, collar.
Transliteration:nᵉṭîyphâh
Pronunciation:net-ee-faw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word נְטִיפָה (nᵉṭîyphâh, `{{H5188}}`) derives from the verbal root נָטַף (nāṭap̄, `{{H5197}}`), which primarily means "to drip," "to drop," or "to distill." This etymological connection is crucial to understanding נְטִיפָה, as it signifies something that "drops" or "hangs." Specifically, נְטִיפָה refers to an ear pendant or earring, an adornment designed to hang from the earlobe. While often associated with pearls in some lexicons, the term broadly encompasses any such dangling ornament. Its semantic range extends to include "chain" or "collar" in a more general sense of an hanging adornment, though its primary biblical usage points to ear-jewelry. The word inherently carries connotations of material value, aesthetic appeal, and personal adornment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term נְטִיפָה (nᵉṭîyphâh, `{{H5188}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, each instance offering a distinct contextual nuance:
1. **[[Judges 8:26]]**: In this passage, נְטִיפָה appears in the account of Gideon's victory over the Midianites. After their defeat, the Israelites requested the golden earrings (נְטִיפָה) taken as spoils from the Midianite warriors. The text states, "And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was 1,700 shekels of gold, besides the crescent ornaments and the pendants and the purple garments that were on the kings of Midian, and besides the collars that were on their camels' necks." Here, נְטִיפָה signifies a valuable item of adornment, indicative of the wealth and status of the Midianite elite. It is listed among other precious spoils, highlighting its material worth and its role as a tangible measure of the enemy's riches and the scale of God's victory through Gideon.
2. **[[Isaiah 3:19]]**: This occurrence is found within Isaiah's prophecy of judgment against the proud and luxurious women of Jerusalem. The prophet lists numerous articles of their elaborate attire and ornamentation that will be stripped away as a sign of divine chastisement. Among these items are "the pendants" (וְהַנְּטִיפוֹת), alongside anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, and other finery. In this context, נְטִיפָה symbolizes vanity, excessive luxury, and a reliance on external appearance. Its removal signifies humiliation, loss of status, and the stripping away of false confidence, underscoring God's impending judgment on societal pride and spiritual decay.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of נְטִיפָה (nᵉṭîyphâh, `{{H5188}}`) benefits from examining its relationship to its etymological root and other terms for adornment.
* **נָטַף (nāṭap̄, `{{H5197}}`)**: The root verb meaning "to drip," "to drop," or "to distill." This connection underscores the physical characteristic of the pendant as something that hangs or drops from the ear. Interestingly, this root also carries a prophetic connotation ("to prophesy," as in "to drop words"), though this secondary meaning does not directly apply to the noun נְטִיפָה.
* **נֶזֶם (nežem, `{{H5187}}`)**: This is a broader term for "ring," often referring to an "earring" or "nose-ring." While נְטִיפָה specifically denotes a dangling pendant, נֶזֶם can refer to any type of ring worn as an adornment. Both terms appear in contexts of wealth and personal decoration (e.g., [[Genesis 24:47]], [[Exodus 32:2]], [[Proverbs 25:12]]).
* **חֲלִי (chali, `{{H2481}}`)**: A general term for "ornament" or "jewel," encompassing a wide range of decorative items. נְטִיפָה would fall under this broader category of personal adornment.
The concepts associated with נְטִיפָה include:
* **Wealth and Status**: As valuable items, pendants were indicators of affluence and social standing.
* **Beauty and Adornment**: Their primary purpose was aesthetic enhancement.
* **Vanity and Pride**: Particularly in the prophetic context of Isaiah, the excessive display of such items points to human pride and superficiality.
* **Spoils of War**: In Judges, they represent the material gains from military victory.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of נְטִיפָה (nᵉṭîyphâh, `{{H5188}}`) emerges primarily from its contrasting appearances in the biblical narrative. In [[Judges 8:26]], the collection of these valuable ornaments as spoils of war highlights God's provision and the tangible outcome of His victory over Israel's enemies. The wealth of the Midianites, symbolized by their golden pendants, is transferred to Israel, affirming divine favor and the defeat of those who oppose God's people.
Conversely, in [[Isaiah 3:19]], the mention of נְטִיפָה serves as a stark indictment of human pride and materialism. The prophet's condemnation of the women of Jerusalem for their excessive adornment points to a deeper spiritual malady: a misplaced reliance on outward show and a neglect of inner righteousness. The stripping away of these luxurious items is a prophetic sign of God's judgment, demonstrating that true beauty and security do not lie in fleeting material possessions but in covenant faithfulness and humility before God. This passage underscores a recurring biblical theme: the contrast between external appearance and internal character, and God's ultimate concern for the heart over outward display. The theological message is one of warning against vanity and an call to humility, reminding believers that material blessings, if coveted excessively, can become idols that lead to divine discipline.
### Summary
נְטִיפָה (nᵉṭîyphâh, `{{H5188}}`) is a rare Hebrew term, appearing only twice in the Old Testament, denoting an ear pendant or a hanging adornment. Derived from the root meaning "to drip" or "to drop," it vividly describes an object that dangles. In [[Judges 8:26]], it symbolizes the spoils of war and the tangible wealth of defeated enemies, reflecting divine provision and victory. In stark contrast, [[Isaiah 3:19]] employs נְטִיפָה as a symbol of excessive luxury and vanity, part of a list of adornments that will be stripped away as a sign of divine judgment against the proud women of Jerusalem. Thus, while literally referring to a piece of jewelry, נְטִיפָה carries significant theological weight, illustrating biblical perspectives on wealth, pride, and the transient nature of material possessions versus the enduring value of spiritual humility and righteousness.
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