Ezekiel 16:12
Ezekiel 16:12 in Multiple Translations
I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.
And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.
And I put a ring upon thy nose, and ear-rings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thy head.
And I put a ring in your nose and ear-rings in your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.
I put a ring in your nose and earrings on your ears, and placed a beautiful crown on your head.
And I put a frontlet vpon thy face, and earings in thine eares, and a beautifull crowne vpon thine head.
And I give a ring for thy nose, And rings for thine ears, And a crown of beauty on thy head.
I put a ring on your nose, earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.
And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and ear-rings in thy ears, and a beautiful crown upon thy head.
And I put a jewel upon thy forehead and earrings in thy ears, and a beautiful crown upon thy head.
I put a gold ring in your nose and fastened earrings to your ears and put a beautiful crown on your head.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezekiel 16:12
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezekiel 16:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶתֵּ֥ן
נֶ֨זֶם֙
עַל
אַפֵּ֔/ךְ
וַ/עֲגִילִ֖ים
עַל
אָזְנָ֑יִ/ךְ
וַ/עֲטֶ֥רֶת
תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת
בְּ/רֹאשֵֽׁ/ךְ
וָ/אֶתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
נֶ֨זֶם֙
nezem
H5141
ring
N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אַפֵּ֔/ךְ
ʼaph
H639
face
N-ms | Suff
וַ/עֲגִילִ֖ים
ʻâgîyl
H5694
ring
Conj | N-mp
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
אָזְנָ֑יִ/ךְ
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fd | Suff
וַ/עֲטֶ֥רֶת
ʻăṭârâh
H5850
crown
Conj | N-fs
תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת
tiphʼârâh
H8597
beauty
N-fs
בְּ/רֹאשֵֽׁ/ךְ
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezekiel 16:12
וָ/אֶתֵּ֥ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
נֶ֨זֶם֙
nezem
H5141
"ring"
N-ms
A nose-ring or earring, this word describes a piece of jewelry worn by both men and women in biblical times. In Isaiah 3:21, it is listed as one of the extravagant items that will be lost. The word is also used in Genesis 24:22 to describe a gift given to Rebekah.
Definition: 1) ring, nose ring, earring 1a) nose ring (woman's ornament) 1b) earring (ornament of men or women)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: earring, jewel. See also: Genesis 24:22; Judges 8:25; Proverbs 11:22.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אַפֵּ֔/ךְ
ʼaph
H639
"face"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word can mean face, but also anger or nose. It is used to describe someone's countenance or emotions, like anger or patience. In the Bible, it appears in various contexts, including descriptions of God's emotions.
Definition: : face 1) nostril, nose, face 2) anger
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: anger(-gry), [phrase] before, countenance, face, [phrase] forebearing, forehead, [phrase] (long-) suffering, nose, nostril, snout, [idiom] worthy, wrath. See also: Genesis 2:7; Nehemiah 8:6; Psalms 2:5.
וַ/עֲגִילִ֖ים
ʻâgîyl
H5694
"ring"
Conj | N-mp
This word means a circular ornament, like an earring or ring. It was worn by both men and women as a decorative item, symbolizing beauty and status. The KJV translates it as 'earring'.
Definition: 1) hoop, ring, earring 1a) adornment for men or women
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: earring. See also: Numbers 31:50; Ezekiel 16:12.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
אָזְנָ֑יִ/ךְ
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
וַ/עֲטֶ֥רֶת
ʻăṭârâh
H5850
"crown"
Conj | N-fs
A crown is a symbol of power and honor, and this word is used in the Bible to describe a royal crown. It appears in 2 Samuel 12:30, where King David takes a crown from a defeated king.
Definition: crown, wreath
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: crown. See also: 2 Samuel 12:30; Song of Solomon 3:11; Psalms 21:4.
תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת
tiphʼârâh
H8597
"beauty"
N-fs
This Hebrew word describes something beautiful or glorious, like a lovely garment or a person's honor. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's glory, as well as the beauty of creation and human achievements, as seen in Psalm and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) beauty, splendour, glory 1a) beauty, finery (of garments, jewels) 1b) glory 1b1) of rank, renown 1b2) as attribute of God 1c) honour (or nation Israel) 1d) glorying, boasting (of individual)
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: beauty(-iful), bravery, comely, fair, glory(-ious), honour, majesty. See also: Exodus 28:2; Isaiah 28:4; Psalms 71:8.
בְּ/רֹאשֵֽׁ/ךְ
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
Study Notes — Ezekiel 16:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezekiel 16:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
- Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:12
- Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
- Sermons on Ezekiel 16:12
Context — Jerusalem’s Unfaithfulness
10I clothed you in embroidered cloth and gave you sandals of fine leather. I wrapped you in fine linen and covered you with silk.
11I adorned you with jewelry, and I put bracelets on your wrists and a chain around your neck.
12I put a ring in your nose, earrings on your ears, and a beautiful crown upon your head.
13So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothing was made of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth. You ate fine flour, honey, and oil. You became very beautiful and rose to be queen. 14Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 3:21 | their signet rings and nose rings; |
| 2 | Isaiah 28:5 | On that day the LORD of Hosts will be a crown of glory, a diadem of splendor to the remnant of His people, |
| 3 | Jeremiah 13:18 | Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.” |
Ezekiel 16:12 Summary
In Ezekiel 16:12, God is describing the Israelites as His beloved, adorned with beautiful things like a ring in the nose, earrings, and a crown. This is a picture of how much God loves and cares for His people, and how He wants to make them beautiful and radiant, as seen in Psalm 138:8. Just like a bride is adorned for her wedding day, God is adorning His people with spiritual beauty, as mentioned in 1 Peter 3:3-4. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can respond to God's love and care with humility and gratitude, and how we can cultivate spiritual beauty in our own lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ring in the nose symbolize in Ezekiel 16:12?
The ring in the nose is likely a symbol of adornment and beauty, similar to the earrings and crown mentioned in the same verse, and is reminiscent of the adornments mentioned in Isaiah 3:21, which were used to enhance one's beauty.
Why is God describing the Israelites with such lavish adornments in Ezekiel 16:12?
God is using the language of a loving husband to describe His relationship with Israel, highlighting the great care and attention He has given to them, as seen in Ezekiel 16:10-11, where He clothes and adorns them with fine things, much like a bridegroom would prepare his bride, as described in Psalm 45:13-14.
How does this verse relate to the spiritual condition of the Israelites?
This verse suggests that despite God's lavish care and attention, the Israelites had become proud and arrogant, forgetting their humble beginnings, as seen in Ezekiel 16:13-14, and similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 8:11-14, where the Israelites are cautioned not to forget God's provision and care for them.
What does the beautiful crown represent in this verse?
The beautiful crown represents the high status and honor that God has given to the Israelites, as His chosen people, and is similar to the crown of glory mentioned in 1 Peter 5:4, which is promised to those who faithfully serve God.
Reflection Questions
- How have I responded to God's lavish care and attention in my own life, and have I become proud or arrogant as a result?
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a sense of humility and gratitude for God's provision in my life, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18?
- How can I use my own experiences of God's care and attention to encourage and minister to others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
- What are some ways that I can adorn myself with spiritual beauty, such as the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23, rather than focusing on external appearances?
- How can I balance a sense of God's love and care for me with a sense of humility and dependence on Him, as seen in Psalm 131:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Ezekiel 16:12
And I put a jewel on thy forehead,.... The same with the nose jewel, which was hung upon the forehead, and reached down to the nose and mouth; and, however disagreeable it may seem to us, was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezekiel 16:12
And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head. I put a jewel on thy forehead - rather, 'a ring in thy nose' (Isaiah 3:21).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
A jewel; it was many times of silver, but most commonly of gold, and was of circular figure, hanging by a string fastened above the forehead in such a manner that it lay or rested on the nose, much esteemed among the Eastern people, though of no account with us. Earrings; golden ornaments hanging in the fleshy part of the ear. A beautiful crown; a very rich and beautiful crown; as virgins espoused and married had crowns set on their heads, , so, to complete the solemnity, and make the magnificence of these nuptials full, a crown of beauty is set on the head of this Jewish nation now married to God.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
Ezekiel 16:12 And I put a jewel on thy forehead, and earrings in thine ears, and a beautiful crown upon thine head.Ver. 12. And I put a jewel on thy forehead.] Heb., On thy nose. See on Genesis 24:47.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
(12) A jewel on thy forehead.—Literally, a nose-ring on thy nostril, the custom of the time sanctioning this mode of ornament. In contrast to God’s kindness and abundant blessing, Israel’s grievous sin is now described (Ezekiel 16:15-34). It is to be remembered that however this extraordinary sin was the natural fruit of neglected grace, it yet was extraordinary. It is not by mere hyperbole that Israel is represented as worse than others. The grace which does not elevate always reacts by directing to a lower depth. (See Excursus at end of this Book on Ezekiel 5:7).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
Verse 12. I put a jewel on thy forehead] על אפך al appech, upon thy nose. This is one of the most common ornaments among ladies in the east. European translators, not knowing what to make of a ring in the nose, have rendered it, a jewel on thy forehead or mouth, (though they have sometimes a piece of gold or jewel fastened to the centre of their forehead.) I have already spoken of this Asiatic custom, so often referred to in the sacred writings: see Genesis 24:22; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 32:2; Job 42:11; Proverbs 11:22; Isaiah 3:21; Hosea 2:13.
Cambridge Bible on Ezekiel 16:12
12. on thy forehead] Rather: a ring on thy nose, Isaiah 3:21. The nose-ring was a jewel placed on the outside of the nostril. Cf. Judges 8:24 (where read, nose-rings). Genesis 24:47. On earrings, Numbers 31:50. a beautiful crown] so ch. Ezekiel 23:42; in Isaiah 62:3 rendered “a crown of glory.” The word does not suggest royalty (Ezekiel 23:42).
Barnes' Notes on Ezekiel 16:12
A jewel on thy forehead - literally, “a nose-ring on thy nostril” (Genesis 24:22 note).
Whedon's Commentary on Ezekiel 16:12
12. A jewel on thy forehead — Literally, ring upon thy nose. (See Isaiah 3:21; Genesis 24:47; Hosea 2:13.) For other articles of jewelry mentioned see Genesis 24:22; Genesis 24:47; Genesis 41:42;
Sermons on Ezekiel 16:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Shining Testimony by Raymond Golsworthy | Raymond Golsworthy preaches on Isaiah 60, where God calls His people to 'Arise and shine' as His light and glory rise upon them. The chapter reveals God's plans for the resurrectio |