Chains
From BibleWiki
A word employed in English versions of the Bible as an equivalent for the various Hebrew terms applied to devices consisting of a series of links and used (1) as means of restraint, or (2) for ornamental purposes on persons or on buildings. These Hebrew terms are as follows:
1.
(missing hebrew text) : Occurring in Num 31:50; R. V., "ankle chains." In 2 Sam 1:10 it is translated "bracelet"; and this is evidently its more exact meaning (see Driver and Klostermann on 2 Sam 1:10, and compare (missing hebrew text) below No. 11).
2.
(missing hebrew text) : occurring in Dan 5:7, 16, 29 (read (missing hebrew text) ), and indicating a necklace worn as a mark of distinction. One was conferred upon Daniel for interpreting Belshazzar's dream. In the Targum it is employed for (missing hebrew text) (Gen 41:42) Compare No. 12 below.
3.
(missing hebrew text) : Occurs in Nah 3:10, and Ps 1498, where it indicates fetters, probably of iron, for binding captives.
4.
(missing hebrew text) : Translated "chain" in Ezek 19:4, 9, A. V., but more correctly rendered "hook" in R. V. Inserted in the nose, it served as a means of leading captives (compare 2Kg 19:28). It is also indicated as an ornament (Ex 35:22, A. V. "bracelets"; R. V., "brooches"). From its insertion in the nose of the captive, it seems probable that as an ornament the (missing hebrew text) was a nose-ring (compare (missing hebrew text) ).
5.
(missing hebrew text) : Occurs in Song 1:10 (R. V., "strings"). Ornamental chains for the neck, probably strings of coral, metal, or pearls, are meant.
6.
(missing hebrew text) : This word occurs only in Ps 687 (6), and is translated as "chains" in A. V., but more correctly in R. V. as "prosperity" (compare dictionaries of Gesenius [-Buhl], Siegfried-Stade, and Baethgen, on Ps 687).
7.
(missing hebrew text) and (missing hebrew text) : Occurring in Lam 3:7, and often translated "fetters," as in Jdg 16:21; 2Kg 25:7. Chains for prisoners, made, as the name implies, of bronze. They consisted of two rings—one for each foot or arm—connected by a link.
8.
(missing hebrew text) : Rendered "chains" in Isa 3:19, A. V., but better taken, in R. V., as "pendants"—obviously with reference to the drop-like form of the ornament. In Jdg 8:26, A. V., it is rendered "collars" [margin, "sweet jewels"]; in R. V., "pendants."
9.
(missing hebrew text) : Employed in Ex 28:14, xxxix. 15 to designate the gold chains on the ephod and breastplate of the high priest.
10.
(missing hebrew text) : An ornament for the neck mentioned in Song 4:9, etc. (compare (missing hebrew text) , Ps 736). The word is used in Jdg 8:26 to designate the chains worn by camels.
11.
(missing hebrew text) : Rendered by R. V. in Isa 3:20 as "ankle chains"; A. V. has "ornaments of the legs." Compare (missing hebrew text) (No. 1) above.
12.
(missing hebrew text) : Occurs in Gen 41:42 and Ezek 16:11, where it indicates a necklace evidently employed as a sign of distinction. Pharaoh adorned Joseph with a chain of this kind when investing him with office.
13.
(missing hebrew text) : Applied (1) to chains of captivity (Ezek 7:23); (2) to the gold chains hung before the "oracle" ( (missing hebrew text) ) in the Temple (1 Kg 6:21); and (3) to silver chains hung upon a graven image (Isa 40:19).
14.
(missing hebrew text) : Translated "bracelets" in Isa 3:19, both A. V. and R. V., but "chains" is the marginal rendering in the latter. The word seems to indicate arm-ornaments; compare the Arabic "siwar" (bracelet).
15.
(missing hebrew text) : Chainwork used in ornamentation. It was employed in the Temple (2Chr 3:5, 16) and for the ephod and breastplate of the high priest (Ex 28:14, xxxix. 15). Compare (missing hebrew text) (Ex 28:22), which is an abbreviated form of this word. See Fetters.
Bibliography:Nowack, Lehrbuch der Hebräischen Archäologie, pp. 128et seq.; and the various Bible commentaries.
