from the same as עָגֹל; something round, i.e. a ring (for the ears); earring.
Transliteration:ʻâgîyl
Pronunciation:aw-gheel'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עָגִיל (ʻâgîyl), Strong's `{{H5694}}`, denotes an "earring." Its etymology traces to a root implying "roundness," specifically related to עָגֹל (ʻâgōl, `{{H5696}}`), meaning "round." Thus, the core meaning of ʻâgîyl is "something round," which is then specifically applied to a ring worn in the ear. This highlights both its characteristic shape and its primary function as an item of personal adornment. The term is precise, referring exclusively to an earring, distinguishing it from other types of rings or jewelry unless context suggests otherwise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻâgîyl (`{{H5694}}`) appears in the Hebrew Bible in three distinct passages, each revealing a different facet of its significance:
* **[[Numbers 31:50]]**: Following the victory over Midian, the Israelites bring a voluntary offering to the Lord from the spoils of war. Among the gold articles presented are ʻâgîlîm (earrings), alongside bracelets, signet rings, and necklaces. Here, the earrings are presented as valuable items, part of a collection of precious metals, consecrated to the Lord as a memorial. This context emphasizes their intrinsic material worth and their potential use in sacred offerings.
* **[[Ezekiel 16:12]]**: In this vivid allegory, God describes His lavish adornment of Jerusalem, personified as an abandoned infant He rescued and raised. God states, "I put a ring on your nose and earrings (ʻâgîlîm) in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head." In this passage, the earrings symbolize divine favor, beauty, honor, and the elevated status bestowed by God upon His chosen people. They are a gift from the divine Bridegroom, signifying a covenant relationship marked by splendor and dignity.
* **[[Hosea 2:13]]**: This verse speaks of Israel's spiritual unfaithfulness, where she "burned incense to the Baals and adorned herself with her rings and her jewelry (ʻâgîlîm and `{{H2078}}` nehzem)." Here, the earrings, though inherently items of beauty, are tragically associated with Israel's idolatry and spiritual harlotry. They represent the very adornments (perhaps even blessings from God) that Israel used to pursue false gods, turning divine gifts into instruments of apostasy.
These occurrences demonstrate the dual nature of ʻâgîyl: a valuable possession, a symbol of beauty and divine blessing, yet also an item capable of being misused in acts of spiritual infidelity.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word ʻâgîyl (`{{H5694}}`) exists within a broader semantic field of jewelry and adornment in the Hebrew Bible:
* `{{H5141}}` nezem: Often translated as "nose ring" or "earring," this term can be more general, referring to a ring worn in the nose or ear. While ʻâgîyl specifically denotes an earring, nezem can sometimes encompass it or be used alongside it, as seen in [[Hosea 2:13]].
* `{{H6539}}` tsamīd: Bracelet, another common item of adornment.
* `{{H2091}}` zahav: Gold, the precious material from which many of these items, including ʻâgîlîm, were made.
* `{{H5696}}` ʻâgōl: Round, the root from which ʻâgîyl derives, highlighting the inherent circular shape.
The concepts associated with ʻâgîyl include:
* **Adornment and Beauty**: A primary function of earrings was to enhance personal beauty and appearance.
* **Wealth and Status**: Jewelry, particularly gold earrings, was a clear indicator of wealth and social standing in ancient Near Eastern societies.
* **Divine Provision and Blessing**: As seen in Ezekiel, God's gift of earrings signifies His generous provision and desire to beautify His people.
* **Idolatry and Apostasy**: In Hosea, the misuse of adornments for pagan worship highlights the dangers of spiritual unfaithfulness.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻâgîyl (`{{H5694}}`) is rich and multifaceted, reflecting core biblical themes:
* **God's Lavish Grace and Covenant Love**: In [[Ezekiel 16:12]], the earring symbolizes God's profound and unconditional love for His people. He takes the despised and makes them glorious, bestowing upon them royal adornments. This illustrates the covenant relationship as one of divine initiative, grace, and beautification, where God elevates His chosen to a place of honor and splendor.
* **Human Responsibility and the Peril of Misuse**: The stark contrast between Ezekiel and Hosea is profound. The very items (earrings) that symbolize God's blessing in Ezekiel become emblems of Israel's spiritual harlotry in [[Hosea 2:13]]. This underscores a critical theological principle: God's good gifts can be corrupted and turned to unholy purposes by human sin. It highlights the responsibility of the recipient to use blessings in a manner that honors the Giver, rather than for self-indulgence or idolatry.
* **Consecration and Memorial**: In [[Numbers 31:50]], the earrings are part of a valuable offering consecrated to the Lord. This demonstrates the principle of dedicating resources, even precious personal items, to God as an act of worship and remembrance. It signifies that all possessions, including those symbolizing status or beauty, ultimately belong to God and can be used for His glory.
Thus, the ʻâgîyl serves as a powerful theological metaphor for both divine generosity and human accountability, illustrating the potential for both sacred devotion and profane deviation.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָגִיל (ʻâgîyl, `{{H5694}}`) specifically denotes an "earring," deriving its meaning from its round shape. Its appearances in the biblical text reveal a nuanced significance: it is a valuable item offered to the Lord ([[Numbers 31:50]]), a symbol of divine grace and beautification bestowed upon God's people ([[Ezekiel 16:12]]), and tragically, an emblem of spiritual harlotry when misused by an unfaithful Israel ([[Hosea 2:13]]). The study of ʻâgîyl thus illuminates critical theological themes concerning God's lavish provision, the sanctity of covenant, and the profound human capacity to either honor or dishonor God through the use of His gifts. It serves as a potent reminder that even items of beauty and value can become instruments of either devotion or deviation, depending on the heart's orientation.
TRV