רָבִיד
𐤓𐤁𐤉𐤃
râbîyd
H7242 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A band, collar, or chain for the neck, typically ornamental, worn as jewelry by persons of status. The term primarily designates a decorative necklace or chain, often metal, worn around the neck as an item of adornment.
Semantic Range
ornamental collar, necklace, chain of precious metal, band worn on the neck
Root / Etymology
From the root רבד (r-b-d), which carries the core meaning of 'to spread out' or 'to overlay.' The noun רָבִיד is derived from this root, indicating an item that is spread around (i.e., encircling) the neck, such as a band or collar.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רָבִיד appears in biblical Hebrew as a term for a piece of jewelry, specifically a necklace or ornamental collar. Its primary attestation is in the context of high status, such as gifts given by monarchs (cf. usage in Genesis 41:42 where Pharaoh bestows a רָבִיד of gold upon Joseph). The nuance of 'spread around the neck' supports the association with neck adornments rather than practical collars for animals or tools. The term is rare and distinct from other words for necklace, such as עֲנָק (ʿanaq), which may refer to more common or different styles of neck ornaments. While some later traditions use 'chain,' the sense in the biblical period is most often of an elegant or costly ornament rather than utilitarian chain or collar. English translations that render רָבִיד as 'chain' may obscure its ornamental nuance, especially given that chain in modern English can imply a utilitarian object, whereas רָבִיד refers exclusively to an object of status and beauty. In the post-biblical period, the term becomes rare, with later Jewish literature employing different terms for neck ornaments.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָבַד; a collar (as spread around the neck); chain.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רבד (r-b-d) — to spread out, overlay, cover
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7242-01 |
רְבִ֥ד | revid | HNcmsc |
chain | ornamental neck-band | 1 |
H7242-02 |
וְ/רָבִ֖יד | veravid | HC/Ncmsa |
and a necklace | ornamental neck-collar | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7242-01 |
Genesis 41:42 | רְבִ֥ד | revid | HNcmsc |
chain | ornamental neck-band |
H7242-02 |
Ezekiel 16:11 | וְ/רָבִ֖יד | veravid | HC/Ncmsa |
and a necklace | ornamental neck-collar |