We all know that the Bible is a collection of books written by many different people over many years. But what we don’t always realize is that many of those books are actually collections of stories and letters written by individual authors and collected together into one volume. One example of this is the book known as Ruth, which contains four separate writings: Ruth 1-4; Ruth 4:17-22; Ruth 2:1-3:15; and Ruth 3-4 (in other words, every part except for verse 22).
In addition to being a compilation of writings from various authors over time, there is also evidence that some parts of the Bible were edited before they were included in the final version. For instance, in Matthew 27:9-10 there is an omission which was later restored in Luke 23:18b-23a where Jesus’s last words are recorded differently than they were when originally recorded by Matthew (see http://spiritualmeaningofjewelry.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/whatisbiblicalstudiespart5of5.pdf ). So it’s possible that these discrepancies could have been intentional edits made by someone else before inclusion in scripture! Either way, one thing is clear about rings in the bible…
Spiritual Meaning of Ring in the Bible
The Symbolism of Rings in the Bible
In the Bible, rings hold a significant spiritual meaning that goes beyond their physical form. Throughout various verses and stories, rings are often used as symbols of authority, faithfulness, and covenant between individuals and God.
Bible Verses and Stories
1. Genesis 41:42 – In this verse, Pharaoh puts a ring on Joseph’s hand to signify his promotion to second in command over all of Egypt. This ring symbolized authority and power, demonstrating Joseph’s new role in leading and governing the nation.
2. Luke 15:22 – The parable of the prodigal son features a ring as a sign of reconciliation and restoration. When the father welcomes back his wayward son, he puts a ring on his finger to signify his acceptance and forgiveness, showing the son’s reinstatement into the family.
3. Esther 8:8 – In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus gives Queen Esther his signet ring, granting her authority to issue decrees in his name. This ring symbolizes trust and partnership, as Esther becomes a key player in saving the Jewish people from destruction.
4. Song of Solomon 8:6 – This verse speaks of love as strong as death and jealousy as fierce as the grave. The idea of a seal placed upon one’s heart and arm like a ring symbolizes the permanence and commitment of love, much like the eternal bond between God and his people.
The word for ring in Hebrew is chabak, same as in Arabic.
You can see that the word for ring in Hebrew is chabak, same as in Arabic. The word for ring in Hebrew is kesil; this also refers to a hand-held weapon (1 Sam 17:40). It’s interesting that both words are used interchangeably. What does this tell us about the big picture of what God wants to communicate through rings?
The word kesil comes from two roots: one meaning “to cut off” and another meaning “to break” or “break off” (as in breaking up a fight). This combination reflects how things come together (marriage), but there will also be times when circumstances break apart relationships between people and/or families.
“And he saith unto them, Whosoever shall put away his wife, and marry another, committeth adultery against her.”
In the passage above, Jesus is speaking about two people who are married to each other but want to divorce and marry someone else. This happens when a husband or wife decides that they no longer want to be with their partner anymore, so they decide to break up and find someone else. The Bible calls this “committing adultery.”
The Bible says that if you commit adultery by getting a divorce, then you are no longer considered married. You can’t call yourself a “husband” or “wife” after you’ve divorced your spouse and remarried another person (even if they aren’t your first spouse).
“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.”
“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, and said unto them; Go ye also into the vineyard, and whatsoever is right I will give you. So they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them Why stand ye here all day idle? They say unto him , Because no man hath hired us . He saith unto them go ye also into my vineyard .”
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:”
The Bible’s verse above is a prophecy of the second coming of Jesus Christ. He will return to earth with his angels and sit on his throne in heaven. When this happens, everyone will see him in glory and magnificence as they were meant to see him when he was first born on earth.
“Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
The ring is a symbol of marriage, which is why you can wear one on your wedding day. It is also a symbol of the covenant between God and his people. Consider the following passages:
“And thou shalt make them OT1921 rings,—the rings shall be OBS7703 round about on their hands, and for chains round about their necks.” (Exodus 28:33)
“And he said unto him again the second time, Simon son of Jonas? lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.” (John 21:16)
He said also unto him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper,
call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again.”
“Call not thy friends,” says the Lord Jesus. “Neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours, lest they also bid thee again.”
He was speaking of an occasion when one of His disciples had invited him to a dinner or supper party; and he said that it would be better not to give such invitations, but rather to give the money to the poor, who would thank us for it more than those who are great in this world’s esteem.
A ring can symbolize marriage
A ring can symbolize marriage.
A ring is a promise.
A ring is a symbol of love, loyalty and eternity. The Bible uses the term “ring” to represent these things. In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon says that “a good name is better than precious ointment” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). He continues by saying that we should not withhold from our neighbor anything that will be useful for their benefit (Ecclesiastes 7:2). This is why he decided to give his beloved another gift along with the ointment—a beautiful ring!
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed these passages from the Bible and that it made you think differently about rings. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to post them below!