### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻânâq**, represented by `{{H6060}}`, refers to a **necklace** or **chain**. Its root carries the sense of strangling, highlighting the closeness of the ornament to the neck. It appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, each instance providing a different shade of meaning, from literal adornment to a powerful metaphor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6060}}` describes both physical and figurative ornamentation. In a literal sense, it is listed among the valuable spoils taken from the kings of **Midian** `{{H4080}}`, where **chains** were on their **camels**' `{{H1581}}` necks, alongside golden earrings and purple raiment [[Judges 8:26]]. In a deeply personal context, the speaker in Song of Solomon is "ravished" by his beloved, noting that a single **chain** `{{H6060}}` of her neck has captivated his heart [[Song of Solomon 4:9]]. Figuratively, the book of Proverbs uses the word to describe the value of parental instruction, which becomes like **chains** `{{H6060}}` of honor about one's neck [[Proverbs 1:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of **ʻânâq**:
* `{{H3880}}` **livyâh** (ornament): Defined as "something attached, i.e. a wreath," this word is used in parallel with `{{H6060}}` in [[Proverbs 1:9]], where wisdom is described as an **ornament** of grace for the head and chains for the neck.
* `{{H1621}}` **gargᵉrôwth** (neck): This word for throat or neck is the location where the metaphorical chains of wisdom are worn in [[Proverbs 1:9]].
* `{{H6677}}` **tsavvâʼr** (neck): This term, meaning the back of the neck, is where the **chain** `{{H6060}}` is worn by the beloved in [[Song of Solomon 4:9]] and where the chains were placed on the camels in [[Judges 8:26]].
* `{{H1581}}` **gâmâl** (camel): These burden-bearing animals were adorned with **chains** `{{H6060}}` by the kings of Midian, indicating the great wealth associated with these items [[Judges 8:26]].
### Theological Significance
The symbolic weight of `{{H6060}}` is seen through its distinct applications:
* **Symbol of Wealth and Status:** The mention of chains on the necks of camels belonging to the **kings** `{{H4428}}` of Midian places them in the category of luxurious goods and symbols of royal power [[Judges 8:26]].
* **Emblem of Intimate Beauty:** In Song of Solomon, a single **chain** `{{H6060}}` is enough to "ravish" the heart `{{H3823}}`, demonstrating its role as a powerful symbol of personal beauty and deep affection within a loving relationship [[Song of Solomon 4:9]].
* **Metaphor for Moral Value:** Proverbs repurposes this physical ornament to represent something of far greater worth. Parental teaching and wisdom become like **chains** `{{H6060}}` that provide an **ornament** `{{H3880}}` of **grace** `{{H2580}}`, signifying honor and moral beauty [[Proverbs 1:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʻânâq** `{{H6060}}` is a specific term for a chain or necklace that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant representational value. It can be a literal object signifying the wealth of kings, a deeply personal emblem of captivating beauty, or a profound metaphor for the honor and grace that wisdom bestows upon a person. Through these varied contexts, scripture shows how a simple adornment can illustrate material, relational, and spiritual worth.
TRV