A part of the insignia of office. A chain of gold was placed about Joseph's neck ( Genesis 41:42 ); and one was promised to ( Daniel 5:7 ). It is used as a symbol of sovereignty (Ezek. 16:11 ). The breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by golden chains ( Exodus 39:17Exodus 39:21 ).
Chains were also used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound ( Judges 16:21 ; 2 Sam 3:34 ; 2 Kings 25:7 ; Jeremiah 39:7 ). Paul was in this manner bound to a Roman soldier ( Acts 28:20 ; Ephesians 6:20 ; 2 Tim 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 ( Acts 12:6 ).
These dictionary topics are from M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition, published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.
[S] indicates this entry was also found in Smith's Bible Dictionary Bibliography InformationEaston, Matthew George. "Entry for Chain". "Easton's Bible Dictionary". .
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.
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 8:21Judges 8:26 ) Step-chains were attached to the ankle-rings. ( Isaiah 3:16Isaiah 3:18 )