### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăziqqîym**, represented by `{{H246}}`, specifically denotes **manacles** or **chains**. This term is rare, appearing only **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in scripture, where it refers to physical restraints placed upon a person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The use of `{{H246}}` is confined to a single narrative moment in the book of Jeremiah. After the fall of Jerusalem, the prophet Jeremiah is taken from Ramah, where he was found "being bound `{{H631}}` in **chains** `{{H246}}`" among the captives `{{H1546}}` of Judah and Jerusalem being exiled to Babylon [[Jeremiah 40:1]]. These chains represent his status as a prisoner of war. However, his bondage is short-lived, as the captain of the guard, Nebuzaradan, promptly tells him, "I loose `{{H6605}}` thee this day from the **chains** `{{H246}}` which were upon thine hand," granting him his freedom [[Jeremiah 40:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of bondage and freedom surrounding `{{H246}}`:
* `{{H631}}` **ʼâçar** (to bind, put in bonds): This verb describes the action of applying the chains. Jeremiah was "bound `{{H631}}`" with them [[Jeremiah 40:1]]. This word is used elsewhere for binding prisoners, such as when King Zedekiah was bound `{{H631}}` with fetters before being taken to Babylon [[2 Kings 25:7]].
* `{{H6605}}` **pâthach** (to open wide, loosen, let go free): This is the direct antonym, describing the removal of the chains. Nebuzaradan "looses" `{{H6605}}` Jeremiah from his bonds [[Jeremiah 40:4]]. The term also carries a broader sense of liberation, such as putting off sackcloth [[Psalms 30:11]] and opening a fountain for sin [[Zechariah 13:1]].
* `{{H1540}}` **gâlâh** (to exile, carry captive): This root word establishes the setting in which the chains appear. The people of Judah "were carried away captive `{{H1540}}`" [[Jeremiah 40:1]], and chains were an instrument of that exile.
* `{{H1546}}` **gâlûwth** (captivity; exiles): This noun defines the group Jeremiah was with when he was found in chains—the "captivity `{{H1546}}` of Jerusalem" [[Jeremiah 40:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H246}}` is tied to its depiction of judgment, bondage, and deliverance.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The **chains** are a physical manifestation of the Babylonian captivity `{{H1546}}`, which represents God's judgment upon Judah. By being bound with his people, Jeremiah initially shares in the consequence of this national event [[Jeremiah 40:1]].
* **The State of Bondage:** The use of **ʼăziqqîym** highlights a state of being bound `{{H631}}`, which throughout scripture signifies powerlessness, affliction, and imprisonment ([[Job 36:13]], [[2 Kings 25:7]]).
* **A Precursor to Liberation:** The story of the chains serves as an immediate prelude to freedom. The act of being "loosed" `{{H6605}}` [[Jeremiah 40:4]] from the chains points to a theme of deliverance. This mirrors a wider biblical principle where the Lord is one who loosens prisoners `{{H631}}` [[Psalms 146:7]] and proclaims liberty to captives [[Isaiah 61:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H246}}` is a precise term for **manacles** that, while used only twice, provides a powerful image within the narrative of the Babylonian exile. It grounds the abstract concepts of judgment and captivity `{{H1546}}` in the physical reality of being bound `{{H631}}`. More importantly, its appearance is immediately followed by the act of being loosed `{{H6605}}`, encapsulating a microcosm of the biblical theme of bondage and subsequent liberation.
TRV