RING.—When the Prodigal Son in the parable returned to his father (Luke 15:22), the latter ordered a ring (δακτύλιος) to be placed on his son’s finger. This was not only a mark of opulence (James 2:2), it is perhaps intended also as a token that he was restored to a place of authority in the house, and allowed to issue orders in his father’s name (see Genesis 38:18; Genesis 41:42, Esther 3:10). For the allegorical fancies that have clustered round this ring, see the works on the Parables; cf., further, art. Seal.
C. H. Prichard.