Earring, nose ring

Gold earrings
Gold earrings (Metropolitan Museum of Art, Public domain, MMA)

Description and usage

The earring was worn on the ear and the nose ring in the nose for decoration. They were small rings, usually made of silver or gold. They could have more or less elaborate decorative work attached to them.


Translation

The Hebrew word nezem refers to a ring that could be worn in the ear or in the nose. In either case, it was worn as decorative jewelry.

Nose rings
Nose rings (© Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart by United Bible Societies)
The Hebrew word ‘agil in EZK 16:12 clearly refers to an earring, and this is probably the case in NUM 31:50 also.

 (Image generated by ChatGPT using OpenAI technology)
The Greek word enōtion in JDT 10:4 specifically indicates a ring worn in the ear, not in the nose.

Scripture References (17)

Numbers

Proverbs

Isaiah

Ezekiel

Hosea