from עָכַס; a fetter; hence, an anklet; stocks, tinkling ornament.
Transliteration:ʻekeç
Pronunciation:eh'-kes
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H5914 (עֶכֶס, *ʻekeç*) is a noun derived from the root H5944 (עָכַס, *ʻākaç*), which carries the primary meaning of "to shake," "to tinkle," or "to bind/twist." This dual etymological foundation gives H5914 a fascinating semantic range. At its most literal, it refers to a "fetter" or "shackle," an instrument of restraint used to bind the feet, akin to "stocks." This sense emphasizes restriction and confinement. However, the word also extends to describe an "anklet" or "tinkling ornament" worn on the ankle. In this context, the object still encircles or binds the ankle, but its primary function shifts from punitive restraint to decorative adornment, often producing a jingling sound as one walks. Thus, H5914 embodies a striking duality: an object that can signify either imprisonment and humiliation or beauty and status, both stemming from its function of encircling the ankle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H5914 appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the prophetic book of Isaiah. In [[Isaiah 3:18]], the prophet declares, "In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, and the headbands, and the crescent ornaments." Here, H5914 is translated as "anklets" or "tinkling ornaments," clearly referring to items of personal adornment worn by the women of Jerusalem. The context of [[Isaiah 3]] is a scathing indictment of Judah's pride, rebellion, and moral decay, particularly focusing on the ostentatious display and haughtiness of its women. The Lord, through Isaiah, promises to strip away their excessive finery, including their H5914 (anklets), as a sign of impending judgment and humiliation. What was once a symbol of wealth, status, and beauty will be removed, leaving them exposed and shamed. This singular occurrence highlights the word's use in the realm of luxury and vanity, serving as a poignant symbol of the transient nature of worldly possessions when faced with divine reckoning. The "tinkling" aspect of these ornaments, perhaps designed to draw attention, ironically foreshadows the "shaking" or trembling that will come upon them in judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root H5944 (עָכַס, *ʻākaç*), from which H5914 is derived. This root means "to shake" or "to tinkle," directly informing the "tinkling ornament" aspect of H5914. It can also imply "to bind" or "to twist," connecting to the "fetter" meaning. Other related concepts include general terms for "jewelry" or "ornaments," such as `{{H5141}}` (נֶזֶם, *neçem*, "nose-ring" or "earring"), `{{H2091}}` (זָהָב, *zāhāḇ*, "gold"), and `{{H5944}}` (עָכָס, *ʻākāç*, "to shake/tinkle"). In the context of restraint, H5914 can be conceptually linked to words like `{{H631}}` (אֵסוּר, *ʾesûr*, "bond" or "imprisonment") or `{{H5493}}` (סוּר, *sûr*, "to turn aside," which can imply restraint). The duality of H5914—as both a decorative item and a potential instrument of restraint—invites a broader theological reflection on the nature of human freedom and bondage, particularly in relation to material possessions and pride.
### Theological Significance
The single biblical occurrence of H5914 in [[Isaiah 3:18]] carries significant theological weight. It serves as a powerful symbol within the broader theme of divine judgment against human pride and idolatry. The women of Jerusalem, through their extravagant adornment, including their H5914 (anklets), epitomized the spiritual harlotry and self-sufficiency that had estranged Judah from God. The stripping away of these ornaments signifies:
1. **Divine Judgment and Humiliation:** God's active removal of the symbols of human glory and status, demonstrating His sovereignty over all earthly pomp. What was a source of pride becomes a source of shame.
2. **The Vanity of Worldly Possessions:** The ephemeral nature of material wealth and outward beauty is exposed. These things, when pursued for their own sake or as a substitute for true piety, are ultimately worthless in the face of God's justice.
3. **Spiritual Bondage:** Ironically, what appeared to be an adornment of freedom and status could be seen as a spiritual "fetter." The pursuit of such vanity enslaved the hearts of the people, binding them to worldly desires rather than to God. The very object that "binds" the ankle decoratively can symbolize the spiritual "bondage" of sin and pride.
4. **Call to Humility and Repentance:** The prophecy serves as a stark warning and a call to turn from self-exaltation to genuine humility and reliance on the Lord.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H5914 (עֶכֶס, *ʻekeç*) is a noun with a dual semantic range, referring to both a "fetter" or "stocks" and an "anklet" or "tinkling ornament." This duality stems from its root H5944, which implies both binding and shaking/tinkling. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Isaiah 3:18]] places it firmly in the context of personal adornment, specifically luxurious anklets worn by the proud women of Jerusalem. The prophetic message uses the stripping away of these H5914 as a potent symbol of divine judgment against human vanity and pride, highlighting the transient nature of worldly status and the ultimate humiliation that awaits those who turn from God. Thus, H5914 encapsulates a profound theological truth: that which outwardly signifies beauty and freedom can, in a spiritual sense, become a binding chain when pursued in defiance of the Almighty.
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