Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 38:18
18. signet, c.—Bracelets, including armlets, were worn by men as well as women among the Hebrews. But the Hebrew word here rendered "bracelets," is everywhere else translated "lace" or "ribbon" so that as the signet alone was probably more than an equivalent for the kid, it is not easy to conjecture why the other things were given in addition, except by supposing the perforated seal was attached by a ribbon to the staff. read more
Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 38:18
Genesis 38:18. Thy signet, and thy bracelets, &c.— By the signet is meant the ring wherewith he sealed. The word rendered bracelets signifies wreaths for the arm or neck, twisted collars, or bracelets. So the Latin torques, from torqueo, to twist. Aquila and Symmachus, who render it by στρεπτον from στρεφω, to turn or twist, preserve the idea. See Parkhurst's Lexicon. REFLECTIONS.—They who have not the gift of continence should marry. We have here a shocking instance of the danger of... read more