(Aramaic) but the text is הֲמוּנֵךְ; of foreign origin; a necklace; chain.
Transliteration:hamnîyk
Pronunciation:ham-neek'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word `{{H2002}}` (hamnîyk) is defined as "a necklace" or "chain." The base definition notes its foreign origin and a textual variant, הֲמוּנֵךְ (hamûnēk). Its semantic range is narrow, primarily denoting an ornamental piece of jewelry worn around the neck. This object typically signifies honor, status, or a mark of distinction, rather than a functional item or a symbol of bondage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H2002}}` (hamnîyk) appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Daniel 5:7]]. This singular occurrence is highly significant for understanding its meaning and contextual import. In this passage, King Belshazzar, in a moment of desperate need for interpretation of the mysterious writing on the wall, offers lavish rewards to anyone who can decipher the message: "clothe him with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and proclaim him third ruler in the kingdom."
The "chain" (hamnîyk) here is explicitly a "chain of gold," indicating its high value and prestige. It is presented as one of three preeminent honors, alongside royal purple attire and elevation to the third highest position in the kingdom. This triad of rewards underscores the immense value and authority associated with the *hamnîyk*. It is a visible, tangible symbol of royal favor, investiture, and the bestowal of significant power and recognition by the king. The context emphasizes the king's willingness to grant the highest possible earthly honors to gain divine insight, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the perceived importance of the interpreter.
### Related Words & Concepts
While `{{H2002}}` is an Aramaic term with a singular occurrence, its conceptual parallels can be drawn with several Hebrew words that denote similar items of adornment and their associated symbolism:
* **`{{H7700}}` (rabîd):** This Hebrew term also translates to "chain" or "collar" and is notably used in [[Genesis 41:42]], where Pharaoh places a gold chain upon Joseph's neck as a sign of his elevated authority and status. This parallels the function of the *hamnîyk* in Daniel, signifying investiture and high office.
* **`{{H6060}}` (ʿǎnāq):** Meaning "necklace" or "collar," this word appears in contexts such as [[Judges 8:26]], referring to the ornamental necklaces on the camels of Midianite kings.
* **`{{H3908}}` (liwyāh):** This term refers to a "garland" or "ornament" and is used metaphorically in [[Proverbs 1:9]] to describe wisdom as "a graceful garland for your head and chains for your neck." Here, the "chains" (or necklaces) symbolize honor and beauty.
Collectively, these terms, including `{{H2002}}`, represent objects of adornment that frequently symbolize:
* **Authority and Power:** As seen in the investiture of Joseph and the reward offered by Belshazzar.
* **Honor and Distinction:** A public mark of royal favor or high esteem.
* **Beauty and Adornment:** Though in the case of *hamnîyk*, the emphasis is more on status than aesthetic beauty.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2002}}` (hamnîyk) is not inherent in the object itself but arises powerfully from its unique context within [[Daniel 5]].
1. **Symbol of Fleeting Worldly Glory:** The *hamnîyk* represents the pinnacle of earthly honor and power that Belshazzar, a pagan king, can bestow. Yet, this very night, his kingdom will be taken from him. The offering of the golden chain thus becomes a poignant symbol of the transient and ultimately meaningless nature of worldly power and honor when contrasted with the eternal sovereignty and judgment of God. The honor is bestowed moments before the giver's downfall.
2. **Contrast with True Wisdom:** Belshazzar's desperate offer of the *hamnîyk* highlights his spiritual blindness and reliance on human wisdom (or lack thereof). He seeks a worldly reward for a divine revelation. Daniel, a man of God, interprets the message not for the sake of the chain but out of faithfulness to God. The fact that Daniel ultimately receives the chain, along with the other honors, underscores that God can use the symbols of human authority to elevate His servants, even as He dismantles the very systems that bestow them.
3. **Divine Sovereignty Over Human Systems:** The narrative demonstrates God's absolute control over human kingdoms and their rulers. The king's lavish offer, including the *hamnîyk*, is merely a desperate human gesture in the face of an inescapable divine decree. God's hand writes the judgment, and His will, not Belshazzar's power, determines the outcome. The chain, therefore, becomes an ironic testament to the impotence of human authority when confronted by divine judgment.
### Summary
`{{H2002}}` (hamnîyk) is an Aramaic term denoting a "necklace" or "chain," appearing exclusively in [[Daniel 5:7]]. In this singular instance, it represents a highly valuable gold chain offered by King Belshazzar as a supreme reward for interpreting the divine writing on the wall. Contextually, the *hamnîyk* is a potent symbol of royal favor, high honor, and investiture with authority, akin to other biblical instances of chains or necklaces signifying status (e.g., Joseph's investiture in [[Genesis 41:42]]). Theologically, the *hamnîyk* serves as a powerful, albeit ironic, symbol within the narrative of divine judgment on Belshazzar. It embodies the zenith of human-bestowed honor, yet it is offered in a moment of profound spiritual desperation and ultimately proves to be a transient reward, utterly overshadowed by the immediate and irreversible divine decree. The word, though limited to a single occurrence, profoundly underscores the contrast between fleeting earthly glory and the enduring, sovereign power of God.
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