### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻâgîyl**, represented by `{{H5694}}`, refers to something round, specifically an **earring**. Based on its root, it signifies a circular object worn in the ear. It appears just **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, highlighting its use as a specific type of personal adornment in significant scriptural contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word's usage illustrates its role in both human offerings to God and divine gifts to people. In [[Numbers 31:50]], **earrings** `{{H5694}}` are part of an **oblation** `{{H7133}}` of **gold** `{{H2091}}` brought before the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` to make **atonement** `{{H3722}}` for the souls of the people. Conversely, in [[Ezekiel 16:12]], God symbolically adorns Jerusalem by putting **earrings** `{{H5694}}` in her **ears** `{{H241}}` as part of a display of divine favor that includes a **beautiful** `{{H8597}}` **crown** `{{H5850}}` upon her **head** `{{H7218}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which **ʻâgîyl** is found:
* `{{H2091}}` **zâhâb** (gold): The material of the **earrings** offered in [[Numbers 31:50]]. The definition is "from an unused root meaning to shimmer; gold... gold(-en), fair weather." This underscores the value of the object.
* `{{H241}}` **ʼôzen** (ear): The specific body part where the **earring** is worn, defined as "broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)" [[Ezekiel 16:12]].
* `{{H2885}}` **ṭabbaʻath** (ring): Another circular ornament listed alongside **earrings** in the offering for atonement, defined as "a ring of any kind" [[Numbers 31:50]].
* `{{H5141}}` **nezem** (earring, jewel): A more general term for an ornament that can be an **earring** or a nose-ring. It is used in parallel with **ʻâgîyl** in the symbolic adornment of Jerusalem [[Ezekiel 16:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H5694}}` is demonstrated in its two appearances:
* **Worship and Atonement:** In [[Numbers 31:50]], the giving of **earrings** is part of a voluntary **oblation** `{{H7133}}` used to make **atonement** `{{H3722}}` for the **soul** `{{H5315}}`. This connects a personal possession of value directly to an act of reconciliation with God.
* **Divine Favor and Honor:** In [[Ezekiel 16:12]], God bestows **earrings** upon Jerusalem as a sign of His covenant love and His desire to make her beautiful and glorious. The act of adornment symbolizes His blessing and elevation of His people.
### Summary
In summary, while **ʻâgîyl** `{{H5694}}` is a rare word, its context is rich with meaning. It is not merely a piece of jewelry but an object of significant spiritual transaction. It functions as both a valuable item given up by humanity for the purpose of **atonement** [[Numbers 31:50]] and as a gift from God to signify honor and beauty [[Ezekiel 16:12]], illustrating how physical objects can represent profound spiritual realities.
TRV