### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term רָבִיד (râbîyd), transliterated as râbîyd and designated by Strong's number `{{H7242}}`, derives from the root רָבַד (râbad), which signifies "to spread out," "to lay out," or "to extend." This etymological connection is crucial, as it informs the primary meaning of râbîyd as an item that is "spread around" or "laid upon" the neck. Its core semantic range encompasses a collar, necklace, or chain, specifically an ornamental piece worn around the neck. Unlike a simple cord or rope, the râbîyd implies a more substantial, often decorative, and sometimes symbolic, piece of adornment. It is consistently used to denote an object of value, beauty, or significance, indicating status or favor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term râbîyd appears three times in the Hebrew Bible, each instance illuminating different facets of its symbolic significance:
1. **[[Genesis 41:42]]**: In this pivotal narrative, Pharaoh elevates Joseph to a position of immense authority in Egypt. As part of this investiture, Pharaoh "put a gold chain (רָבִיד) around his neck." Here, the râbîyd is a clear symbol of royal favor, high office, and delegated authority. It marks Joseph's transition from prisoner to vizier, publicly signifying his new, exalted status within the kingdom. The gold material further emphasizes its value and the honor bestowed.
2. **[[Ezekiel 16:11]]**: In this prophetic oracle, God recounts His gracious acts towards Jerusalem, personified as a forsaken infant whom He takes under His care. Among the adornments God bestows upon her, He says, "I put a chain (רָבִיד) on your neck." This usage is deeply symbolic. The râbîyd, alongside bracelets, a nose ring, and earrings, represents the divine favor, beauty, and honor that God bestows upon His covenant people. It signifies their elevation from destitution to a position of splendor and dignity through God's redemptive love and covenant faithfulness. It is an emblem of the exquisite care and adornment only the Creator could provide.
3. **[[Proverbs 1:9]]**: This verse, part of the opening exhortations of the book of Proverbs, uses râbîyd metaphorically: "For they will be a graceful garland for your head and chains (רָבִיד) for your neck." Here, "they" refers to the instruction of a father and the teaching of a mother (v. 8). Wisdom and obedience to parental instruction are not burdensome but are likened to beautiful adornments. The râbîyd symbolizes the honor, beauty, and distinction that wisdom and righteous living confer upon an individual. It is an internal, spiritual adornment that manifests externally as respect and grace.
Across these contexts, the râbîyd consistently signifies something worn around the neck that elevates, beautifies, or signifies status, whether conferred by human authority, divine grace, or the cultivation of wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The root רָבַד (râbad) itself is fundamental to understanding râbîyd, emphasizing the act of spreading or laying out. Other Hebrew words related to adornment and jewelry often appear in conjunction with or offer parallel meanings to râbîyd:
* **עֲדִי (ʿădî)** `{{H5716}}`: A general term for ornament or jewelry, often used collectively with râbîyd, as seen in [[Ezekiel 16:11]].
* **נֶזֶם (nezem)** `{{H5141}}`: An earring or nose ring, also part of the adornment in [[Ezekiel 16:11]].
* **צָמִיד (tsamîyd)** `{{H6785}}`: A bracelet or armlet, similarly used in [[Ezekiel 16:11]].
* **חֲלִי (ḥălî)** `{{H2481}}`: Another term for ornament or jewelry, often denoting a valuable or precious item.
Conceptually, râbîyd is closely linked to:
* **Status and Authority**: As seen in Joseph's elevation.
* **Honor and Dignity**: Both in Joseph's story and in the metaphorical use in Proverbs.
* **Divine Favor and Blessing**: Profoundly illustrated in Ezekiel's prophecy.
* **Beauty and Adornment**: Whether physical or metaphorical, it enhances appearance and worth.
* **Wisdom's Benefits**: In Proverbs, it symbolizes the tangible and intangible rewards of a life lived wisely.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of râbîyd extends beyond its literal meaning as a piece of jewelry, becoming a potent symbol of divine action and spiritual truth.
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Elevation**: In the narrative of Joseph, Pharaoh's act of bestowing the râbîyd is ultimately an instrument of God's sovereign plan. It demonstrates how God can use human authorities to elevate the humble and fulfill His purposes, transforming a prisoner into a ruler who saves nations. The chain becomes a visible sign of God's unseen hand guiding destiny.
2. **Covenantal Love and Adornment**: Ezekiel's vivid imagery of God adorning Jerusalem with a râbîyd speaks profoundly of God's unconditional love and grace. It illustrates the divine initiative in choosing, cleansing, and beautifying a people who were utterly destitute. This adornment symbolizes the glory and honor that God bestows upon His covenant partners, making them radiant among the nations not by their own merit, but by His lavish grace. It highlights the beauty of the divine-human relationship when God's people walk in faithfulness to His covenant.
3. **The Intrinsic Value of Wisdom**: Proverbs elevates wisdom and instruction to the status of precious adornments. The râbîyd here signifies that true honor and beauty are not merely external or material, but are derived from internal virtues and adherence to divine principles. It teaches that God-given wisdom is a source of grace and dignity, more valuable than any physical ornament, and that living according to God's ways enhances one's life in a profound and lasting manner.
In summary, the râbîyd, whether literal or metaphorical, consistently points to a conferral of honor, status, and beauty, often by a higher authority (God or a ruler). It is a tangible representation of intangible blessings and a visible sign of an elevated state.
### Summary
The Hebrew word רָבִיד (râbîyd) `{{H7242}}`, derived from a root signifying "to spread out," denotes a collar, necklace, or chain worn around the neck. Its three occurrences in the Hebrew Bible reveal its rich symbolic meaning. In [[Genesis 41:42]], it signifies royal favor and the conferral of high administrative authority upon Joseph. In [[Ezekiel 16:11]], it powerfully symbolizes God's lavish grace and covenantal adornment of His people, transforming their destitution into splendor. Finally, in [[Proverbs 1:9]], râbîyd is used metaphorically to represent the honor, beauty, and distinction that wisdom and adherence to divine instruction bestow upon an individual. Across these contexts, the râbîyd consistently serves as a potent symbol of elevation, dignity, divine favor, and the inherent value of living according to God's ways. It is an emblem of grace, status, and the profound beauty that comes from divine blessing or righteous living.
TRV