Accessories like anklets may seem trivial, but they can carry cultural and spiritual significance. The Bible touches on topics related to adornment and personal expression. Let’s look at what the Scriptures say about anklets and their meaning in a Biblical context.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About disobedient children
What Does The Bible Say About anklets
Isaiah 3:18-20
“In that day the Lord will take away the beauty of their anklets, headbands, crescent ornaments, dangling earrings, bracelets, veils, headdresses, ankle chains, sashes, perfume boxes, amulets.”
This verse from Isaiah describes a time when the Lord will remove the beauty and extravagance of various adornments, including anklets. It serves as a reminder that material possessions and outward adornment should not be the focus of our lives. Rather, we should prioritize our relationship with God and the inner qualities that truly matter.
Numbers 31:50
“So we have brought as an offering to the Lord the gold articles each of us acquired – anklets, bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces – to make atonement for ourselves before the Lord.”
In this verse, the Israelites brought their acquired gold articles, including anklets, as an offering to the Lord. This act of giving and sacrifice demonstrates their desire to seek forgiveness and reconciliation with God. It teaches us the importance of offering ourselves, including our possessions, to God in worship and repentance.
Psalm 45:13-14
“All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold. In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.”
This passage paints a picture of a princess adorned in magnificent garments, including gold, as she is led to the king. While not explicitly mentioning anklets, it provides a glimpse of grandeur and beauty. It reminds us that we are daughters of the King, loved and cherished by Him. Our true beauty comes from within, from our character and relationship with God.
Proverbs 11:22
“Like a gold ring in a pig’s snout is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion.”
This proverb uses a metaphor to highlight the lack of value in outer beauty without inner wisdom and discernment. While not specifically mentioning anklets, it serves as a reminder that true beauty lies in the heart and the character of a person, rather than in external adornments or appearances.
Jeremiah 2:32
“Does a young woman forget her jewelry, a bride her wedding ornaments? Yet my people have forgotten me, days without number.”
This verse expresses God’s disappointment and sadness when His people forget Him, likening it to a bride forgetting her wedding ornaments or a young woman forgetting her jewelry. While not directly referring to anklets, the passage emphasizes the importance of not forgetting or neglecting our relationship with God amidst the distractions and attractions of the world.
Genesis 24:22
“After the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring weighing a beka and two gold bracelets weighing ten shekels.”
This verse recounts a story where a servant of Abraham gave extravagant gifts of gold, including bracelets, as part of the marriage process for Isaac. Although anklets are not mentioned, the passage highlights the cultural significance of adorning oneself with precious metals and serves as a historical reference to the use of various adornments.
Exodus 35:22
“All who were willing, men and women alike, came and brought gold jewelry of all kinds: brooches, earrings, rings, and ornaments. They all presented their gold as a wave offering to the Lord.”
In this verse, the Israelites willingly brought their gold jewelry, including various ornaments like anklets, as an offering to the Lord. It demonstrates their generosity and devotion as they sought to contribute to the construction of the tabernacle. The passage reminds us of the importance of giving generously and sacrificially for the work of God and the advancement of His Kingdom.
Exodus 12:35-36
“The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.”
This passage describes the Israelites’ departure from Egypt following the ten plagues. As they left, they asked the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing, acquiring these valuables as they were leaving. While anklets are not specifically mentioned, it highlights the act of receiving possessions and materials from the Egyptians, which likely included various forms of personal adornment.
Ezekiel 16:11-12
“I adorned you with jewelry: I put bracelets on your arms and a necklace around your neck, and I put a ring on your nose, earrings on your ears and a beautiful crown on your head.”
This passage from Ezekiel symbolizes God’s relationship with His people through the imagery of a lavish wedding. While anklets are not mentioned, the verse highlights the adornment of various jewelry items. It serves as a metaphor for the way God bestows blessings and grace upon His people, adorning them with His love and favor.
2 Samuel 1:24
“Daughters of Israel, weep for Saul, who clothed you in scarlet and finery, who adorned your garments with ornaments of gold.”
This verse laments the death of King Saul, who was known for his rich and extravagant clothing. While anklets are not explicitly mentioned, it refers to the ornaments of gold that adorned the garments of the daughters of Israel. The passage serves as a reminder that reliance on outward appearances and possessions can be fleeting and that true worth and significance lie in God.
Song of Solomon 7:1-2
“How beautiful your sandaled feet, O prince’s daughter! Your graceful legs are like jewels, the work of an artist’s hands. Your navel is a rounded goblet that never lacks blended wine. Your waist is a mound of wheat encircled by lilies.”
Although not explicitly mentioning anklets, this poetic passage from the Song of Solomon describes the beauty of the bride. It symbolizes the admiration and love between the bride and her groom. The verses remind us of the importance of inner beauty and the unique qualities that make each individual special and cherished.
Ezekiel 23:40
“They even sent for men from far away, to whom a messenger was sent, and behold, they came-for whom you bathed, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with ornaments.”
This verse speaks of the unfaithfulness of Israel, comparing it to a woman who seeks the attention and affection of other men. While not specifically mentioning anklets, it portrays the use of various adornments, such as painting the eyes and wearing ornaments, to attract others. It serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of seeking fulfillment and validation in external appearances and worldly desires.
Lamentations 1:3
“After affliction and hard labor, Judah has gone into exile. She dwells among the nations; she finds no resting place. All who pursue her have overtaken her in the midst of her distress.”
This verse describes the exile and suffering of Judah, symbolizing the consequences of their disobedience and rejection of God. While not directly referring to anklets, it signifies a state of distress and restlessness. The passage serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining faithful to God, for when we turn away from Him, we may find ourselves in a state of spiritual exile and distress.
1 Peter 3:3-4
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
This passage offers guidance on the true source and nature of beauty. It encourages believers not to rely on external adornments or outward appearances as a measure of worth or value. Instead, the emphasis is placed on cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit, reflecting the inner qualities that are of great worth to God.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
“I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”
In this passage, the focus is on modesty and propriety in how believers present themselves. It encourages women to prioritize good deeds over extravagant outward appearances. While not specifically mentioning anklets, it serves as a reminder to Christians that our attire and adornments should reflect our dedication to God and a Christ-like character.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.”
This verse reminds believers that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and urges them to honor God through their actions and choices. While not directly referring to anklets, it emphasizes the importance of reflecting God’s holiness and living in obedience to Him. It encourages believers to consider how their choices, including in the realm of personal adornment, align with their identity as followers of Christ.
1 Samuel 2:8
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s; on them he has set the world.”
This verse praises God for His ability to uplift and exalt the humble and needy. It highlights His power and sovereignty over the created world. While not specifically mentioning anklets, it serves as a reminder that our worth and value do not come from external factors or possessions, but from our relationship with God and the way He sees us.
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
This verse encourages young believers to set an example for others through their speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. It reminds them not to underestimate their ability to make a positive impact and serve as a role model. While not explicitly mentioning anklets, it emphasizes the significance of living in a way that reflects Christ, regardless of age or societal expectations.
Psalm 149:3
“Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp.”
This verse celebrates the act of praising God through dance and music, highlighting the joy and exultation that can be expressed in worship. While not specifically mentioning anklets, it indicates the potential for using bodily movements and adornments, including anklets, as expressions of praise and reverence to God.
2 Chronicles 3:6
“He adorned the temple with precious stones and prepared the gold used for the temple, the weight of which was 600 talents.”
This verse describes the adornment of the temple with precious stones and gold. It highlights the grandeur and splendor of the place of worship. While not mentioning anklets, it symbolizes the efforts made to honor God and create a sacred space. The passage serves as a reminder that in our worship and devotion to God, we should offer our best and dedicate our resources to His service.
Revelation 21:19-21
“The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.”
In this visionary passage from Revelation, the new Jerusalem is described in vivid detail, highlighting its beauty and magnificence. Precious stones, pearls, and gold are mentioned, conveying the idea of heavenly splendor. While not directly mentioning anklets, it paints a picture of a place far beyond earthly riches, reminding believers of the eternal glory and majesty that awaits them in the presence of God.
Acts 3:6
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’
This verse recounts an incident where Peter, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, healed a lame beggar. Although not mentioning anklets, it highlights the limited value of material possessions compared to the greater power and authority of Jesus Christ. It serves as a reminder that true transformation and healing come through faith and reliance on Him, rather than through earthly treasures.
Throughout the Bible, the mention of anklets may not be as prominent as other adornments, but they are encompassed within the broader context of personal adornment and outward beauty. These verses remind us to prioritize inner qualities, character, and our relationship with God over external appearances and material possessions. While some verses caution against vanity and excessive focus on outward adorning, others acknowledge the cultural and historical significance of various adornments. Ultimately, these passages emphasize the importance of seeking God’s kingdom above all else and finding our worth and value in Him alone.