Chain

Chain. [E]

Chains were used,

1. As badges of office;
2. For ornament;
3. For confining prisoners.
4. the gold chain placed about Josephs 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 Judges 8:26 ) Step-chains were attached to the ankle-rings. ( Isaiah 3:16 Isaiah 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 Acts 12:7 ; 21:33 )

[E] indicates this entry was also found in Easton's Bible Dictionary

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Bibliography Information

Smith, William, Dr. "Entry for 'Chain'". "Smith's Bible Dictionary". . 1901.