### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word עָנָק (ʻânâq, H6060) is a noun derived from the verbal root עָנַק (ʻānaq), which means "to put a necklace on," "to adorn," or "to bind around the neck." Thus, the primary meaning of עָנָק is "necklace" or "chain," specifically an item worn around the neck as an adornment. The underlying etymological sense, as suggested by the base definition ("as if strangling"), points to the idea of something that binds tightly or closely. However, in its biblical occurrences, this "tightness" is not associated with oppression or harm, but rather with the inseparable nature of an adornment or a cherished value. The semantic range is therefore limited to a piece of jewelry for the neck, used both literally and figuratively to denote honor, beauty, and cherished principles.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word עָנָק (ʻânâq, H6060) appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times within the book of Proverbs, and both instances employ the term metaphorically to convey profound spiritual truths.
1. **[[Proverbs 1:9]]**: "For they will be a graceful garland for your head and chains for your neck."
In this verse, עָנָק (ʻânâq) is paralleled with לִוְיָה (`{{H3860}}`, "garland" or "wreath"). The "chains" (necklaces) refer to the wisdom and instruction received from parents or wise teachers (vv. 8-9). These teachings are presented not as burdensome restrictions, but as beautiful adornments that bestow grace, honor, and distinction upon the one who embraces them. The imagery suggests that living by wisdom makes one attractive and respected, much like wearing precious jewelry.
2. **[[Proverbs 3:3]]**: "Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart."
Here, עָנָק (ʻânâq) is again used metaphorically, but with an imperative command. The virtues of חֶסֶד (`{{H2617}}`, "steadfast love" or "loyal love") and אֱמֶת (`{{H571}}`, "faithfulness" or "truth") are to be "bound around your neck." This echoes the practice of wearing precious objects or amulets close to the body, signifying their value and constant presence. The parallel command to "write them on the tablet of your heart" reinforces the call for deep internalization and commitment. The "neck" in this context represents the visible manifestation of one's inner character, implying that these virtues should be openly displayed and define one's very being. The "binding" suggests an inseparable and defining quality, rather than a constricting one.
In both contexts, H6060 functions as a symbol of something highly valued, beautiful, and integral to one's identity, whether it be wisdom's adornment or the embodiment of foundational virtues.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of עָנָק (ʻânâq, H6060) is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **Verbal Root עָנַק:** The verb from which H6060 is derived, meaning "to put a necklace on," "to adorn," or "to bind around the neck." This root emphasizes the action of adorning or closely attaching something to the neck.
* **Other Adornments:** The Hebrew Bible uses various terms for jewelry and adornments, often symbolizing wealth, beauty, status, or even spiritual concepts. Examples include נֶזֶם (`{{H5141}}`, "nose ring," "earring"), צָמִיד (`{{H6785}}`, "bracelet"), and עֲטָרָה (`{{H5850}}`, "crown," "diadem"), which frequently represents honor and glory (e.g., [[Proverbs 12:4]]). The use of עָנָק alongside לִוְיָה (`{{H3860}}`, "garland") in [[Proverbs 1:9]] highlights its role as a beautiful embellishment.
* **Binding/Writing on the Heart/Neck:** The motif of binding divine commands or virtues to one's person is deeply rooted in Israelite thought. This is most prominently seen in the Shema, where the commands of God are to be "bound as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes" ([[Deuteronomy 6:8]]). The instruction in [[Proverbs 3:3]] to "bind them around your neck" and "write them on the tablet of your heart" directly echoes this covenantal language, emphasizing the internalization and constant remembrance of divine truth and virtue. The verb קָשַׁר (`{{H7194}}`, "to bind") is used in both contexts.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of עָנָק (ʻânâq, H6060) in Proverbs is profound, moving beyond mere physical adornment to represent the transformative power of wisdom and virtue:
* **Wisdom as True Adornment:** The imagery of wisdom and instruction as "chains for your neck" in [[Proverbs 1:9]] elevates spiritual virtues above material possessions. True beauty and honor are not derived from external ornaments but from internalizing and living by divine wisdom. This suggests a reversal of worldly values, where spiritual integrity becomes the ultimate mark of distinction.
* **Embodied Virtues:** The command to "bind them around your neck" in [[Proverbs 3:3]] signifies that steadfast love and faithfulness are not abstract concepts but virtues that must be actively embraced, made visible, and become an inseparable part of one's identity. They are to be worn like a precious, defining necklace, influencing every aspect of one's life and serving as a public testimony to one's character. This speaks to the holistic nature of biblical ethics, where inner conviction must translate into outward conduct.
* **Inescapable Influence of Righteousness:** While the etymological hint of "strangling" suggests a tight binding, in its theological application, this can be understood positively. It implies that once wisdom, steadfast love, and faithfulness are truly embraced, they become so integral that they are "inescapable" in the sense that they continually shape and guide the individual. They are not easily discarded but define the very essence of the person.
* **Continuity with Covenantal Obedience:** The parallel with the Deuteronomic commands to bind God's words to one's person highlights a continuity between the Law and Wisdom literature. Both emphasize the importance of internalizing and visibly demonstrating allegiance to God's ways. The "neck" becomes a metaphor for the sphere of public identity and commitment to the covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew word עָנָק (ʻânâq, H6060), meaning "necklace" or "chain," is used metaphorically in the book of Proverbs to convey deep spiritual truths. Despite an etymological root suggesting a tight binding, its biblical usage consistently portrays it as a symbol of honor, beauty, and cherished values. In [[Proverbs 1:9]], wisdom and instruction are depicted as graceful adornments, bestowing distinction upon the one who embraces them. More significantly, in [[Proverbs 3:3]], עָנָק represents the virtues of steadfast love and faithfulness, which are to be actively "bound" around one's neck and "written" on the heart. This powerful imagery underscores the call for these divine attributes to be deeply internalized, visibly displayed as an integral part of one's character, and to serve as a constant testimony to one's devotion. The concept resonates with the broader biblical theme of embodying God's commands, making עָנָק a potent symbol of a life adorned by and committed to divine wisdom and virtue.
TRV