Dictionaries :: Chain

Easton's Bible Dictionary

Chain:

(1.) A part of the insignia of office. A chain of gold was placed about Joseph's neck (Gen 41:42); and one was promised to Daniel (Dan 5:7). It is used as a symbol of sovereignty (Eze 16:11). The breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by golden chains (Exd 39:17,21).

(2.) It was used as an ornament (Pro 1:9; Sgs 1:10). The Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains (Jdg 8:21,26).

(3.) Chains were also used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound (Jdg 16:21; 2Sa 3:34; 2Ki 25:7; Jer 39:7). Paul was in this manner bound to a Roman soldier (Act 28:20; Eph 6:20; 2Ti 1:16). Sometimes, for the sake of greater security, the prisoner was attached by two chains to two soldiers, as in the case of Peter (Act 12:6).

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Chain:

denotes "a chain or bond for binding the body, or any part of it (the hands or feet)." Some derive the word from a, negative, and luo, "to loose," i.e., "not to be loosed;" others from a root connected with a word signifying "to restrain." It is used in Mar 5:3, 4; Luk 8:29; Act 12:6, 7; 21:33; 28:20; Eph 6:20; 2Ti 1:16; Rev 20:1.
See BOND.

Notes:

(1) Some ancient authorities have seira, "a cord, rope, band, chain," in 2Pe 2:4, instead of seiros, "a cavern," RV, "pits."

(2) In Jud 1:6 the RV renders desmos by "bonds" (for the AV "chains").
See BOND.

Smith's Bible Dictionary

Chain:

Chains were used,

(1.) As badges of office;

(2.) For ornament;

(3.) For confining prisoners.

(4.) the gold chain placed about Joseph's neck (Genesis 41:42) and that promised to Daniel (Daniel 5:7) are instances of the first use. In Ezekiel 16:11, the chain is mentioned as the symbol of sovereignty.

(5.) 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, 26). Step‐chains were attached to the ankle‐rings (Isaiah 3:16; 3:18).

(6.) 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; 21:33).