הַמְנִיכָא (ham.nikh)
ham.nikh
chain
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun hamnîḵā refers to a chain or necklace, appearing only three times in the Old Testament. In every instance, it occurs within the book of Daniel, specifically describing the gold chain placed around the neck of Belshazzar as part of his decree honoring Daniel (Daniel 5:29). The word denotes a piece of jewelry that signifies honor and status rather than restraint.
Its presence in this narrative highlights the sudden shift in power. Belshazzar’s attempt to elevate Daniel with royal regalia could not prevent the fall of his kingdom. The term captures the tangible symbols of earthly authority, which proved powerless against divine judgment in that pivotal moment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hamnîḵā describes a golden chain worn around the neck, a symbol of high honor and royal favor in ancient Babylon. In Daniel 5, King Belshazzar promises this necklace to anyone who can interpret his mysterious writing. It represents the highest earthly recognition a subject could receive, marking the recipient as a trusted advisor near the throne.
Yet the story reveals that such symbols of power are fragile. Although Daniel receives the gold chain, the kingdom falls that very night. This reminds us that human accolades and status are temporary. True security does not come from medals or titles, but from faithfulness to God in every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ necklace/ the3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וְ/הַֽמְנִיכָ֤/א2×
- וְ/הַֽמְנִיכָ֥/א1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon, “Whoever reads this writing and shows me its interpretation shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
This verse establishes the chain as a specific reward offered by the king for wisdom, highlighting its value as a token of royal favor.
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Daniel 5:16
But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.”
Daniel repeats the promise to the king, confirming that the gold chain was a formal part of the covenant made before the interpretation was given.
-
Daniel 5:29
Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.
The actual bestowal of the chain occurs here, yet it immediately precedes the fall of Belshazzar, showing the emptiness of earthly honors without divine approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hamnîḵā mean in the Bible?
Why is this word significant in Daniel 5?
Is hamnîḵā used as a symbol of restraint?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 3 verses
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the…
Daniel 5:16But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and…
Daniel 5:29Then Belshazzar commanded, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made…