the Week of Proper 14 / Ordinary 19
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Bible Dictionaries
Chain
Smith's Bible Dictionary
or Chain. Chains were used,
1. As badges of office; The gold chain placed about Joseph's neck, Genesis 41:42, and that promised to Daniel, Daniel 5:7, are instances of this first use. In Ezekiel 16:11, the chain is mentioned as the symbol of sovereignty.
2. For ornaments; Chains for ornamental purposes were worn by men as well as women. Proverbs 1:9. Judith 10:4. The Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains. Judges 8:21; Judges 8:26. Step-chains were attached to the ankle-rings. Isaiah 3:16; Isaiah 3:18.
3. For confining prisoners; The means adopted for confining prisoners among the Jews were fetters similar to our handcuffs. Judges 16:21; 2 Samuel 3:34; 2 Kings 25:7; Jeremiah 39:7. Among the Romans, the prisoner was handcuffed to his guard, and occasionally to two guards. Acts 12:6-7; Acts 21:33.
These files are public domain.
Smith, William, Dr. Entry for 'Chain'. Smith's Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/dictionaries/eng/sbd/c/chain.html. 1901.
