[Greek] δακτύλιος (daktylios), [Latin] annulus, [German] ring: ring; Lk.15:22
Background information:
Joseph receiving Pharaoh’s ring: Tiepolo’s painting is based on the Old Testament story of Joseph. Joseph had been sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and was later imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. This painting shows the dramatic moment when Joseph wins his freedom and is appointed to the role of Vizier, the Pharaoh’s chief administrator. Tiepolo’s use of color and costume reference the golden age of Venetian painting.
Greek Hellenism: This term means ring, signet, and ring-shaped thing. Herodotus’ The Histories state “On of the priests examines the beast, determined whether it is clean. If it is clean, the priest stamps it with his ring.” Aristophanes’ Plutus 884 states “I fear you not, thanks to this range for this ring for which I paid Eudemus.” Plato’s Republis 359e states “As he turned the collet of the ring toward himself, towards the inner part of the hand, he became invisible.”
Old Testament: This term means ring, signet ring, and ornamental ring. To forestall any tampering, the king sealed with his own ring and the rings of the lords the stone that blocked the opening of the den (Dan.6:17). Ahiqar had been chief cupbearer, keeper of the signet ring, and accountant under Sennacherib (Tob.1:22). With that, Pharaoh took off his signet ring and put it on Joseph’s finger (Gen.41:42).
New Testament: This term means ring. The greedy younger son sought to leave his father with the share of his inheritance. He set off to a foreign country where he squandered it. Coming to his senses, the younger son returned to his father, saying he did not deserve to be called his son. The son asked that be treated like a highered worker. The father, overjoyed, embraced his son, saying that his son, who was dead and lost, has come to life again and has been found. The father gave him a robe, put a ring on his finger, put sandals on his feet, and gave him a feast. This parable of the lost son illustrates The Father’s mercy and forgiveness.
“But his father ordered his servants, ‘Quickly bring the finest robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.” Lk.15:22
This parable illustrates the Father’s mercy to those who have fallen away.
Etymology: The Latin noun annulus means little ring, derived from the preposition (ad-) meaning to and nullus, meaning nothing. It is interesting to note that prodigal is related to the Latin nepos, meaning descendant, grandson, and nephew. The water scorpion (Nepidae) consumes its offspring not on its back. Prodigal is derived from the Latin verb prodigere, meaning to drive away and waste. In the 1590’s prodigal becomes uses as a noun.
This Good Shepherd ring was recently discovered off the coast of Israel near Cesarea.
Conclusion:
Annul, annulment, ring, prodigal, nepotism
The Pharaoh had given Joseph authority. The pope also wears a ring.
Prodigal means wasteful, lavish, and given to extravagance. Not surprisingly this term is related to nepotism and spoiled children. I bet you did not expect to include a scorpion!
Not surprisingly, anullments involve returning the ring.
—Useless Word Alert —
Annulus: In mathematics, this is the region between different sized concentric circles. Essentially, this looks like a washer used in hardware.
I hope this post was able to ring your attention.