אֲזֵק (a.ziq.qim)
a.ziq.qim
chains
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun azeqim refers to metal restraints used to bind a person’s hands or wrists. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within the book of Jeremiah (Jeremiah 27:2 and 39:14). In these contexts, the word describes the heavy iron shackles placed on King Zedekiah by the Babylonian army, emphasizing his total loss of freedom and royal status.
Unlike general terms for captivity or imprisonment, azeqim points specifically to the physical device that prevents movement. The sources identify it as manacles rather than loose ropes, suggesting a rigid, metallic constraint. This concrete imagery underscores the severity of the judgment described in Jeremiah, where the king is not merely detained but physically secured against his will.
Translators consistently render azeqim as "chains" or "manacles," capturing the weight and finality of the object. The rarity of the word highlights its significance; it marks a moment of absolute subjugation in biblical history. By focusing on the instrument of bondage, the text draws attention to the power of the captor and the vulnerability of the captive.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word azeqim describes heavy iron shackles used to bind prisoners. In Jeremiah 40:1, we see the prophet bound in these chains among the captives taken to Babylon. This image is stark and real, showing how quickly freedom can be lost when people face judgment or exile. It reminds us that our circumstances do not define our worth before God.
Yet there is hope even in the deepest bondage. In Jeremiah 40:4, Nebuzaradan offers Jeremiah a choice: stay free or go to Babylon with care. This moment shows that God’s presence accompanies His people even in chains. You are never truly alone, no matter how tight the bonds of life may feel.
When you face restriction or pain, remember that God sees your struggle. He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Your freedom in Christ is secure, regardless of what the world tries to impose on you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with <the>/ chains1×
- the/ chains1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/אזִקִּים֮1×
- בָּֽ/אזִקִּים֙1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 40:1
The word which came to Jeremiah from Yahweh, after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ramah, when he had taken him being bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah who were carried away captive to Babylon.
This verse uses azeqim to describe Jeremiah being physically restrained among captives, highlighting the reality of his imprisonment despite his prophetic status.
-
Jeremiah 40:4
Now, behold, I release you today from the chains which are on your hand. If it seems good to you to come with me into Babylon, come, and I will take care of you; but if it seems bad to you to come with me into Babylon, don’t. Behold, all the land is before you. Where it seems good and right to you to go, go there.”
Here the chains are removed, symbolizing a transition from forced captivity to a choice offered with grace and provision by the Babylonian captain.