רַתּוֹק (rat.toq)
rat.toq
chain
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun rattoq refers specifically to a chain, typically one used for binding or restraining a person. It appears only once in the Old Testament, in 1 Kings 25:30, where it describes the iron chains placed on King Zedekiah after his capture by the Babylonians. This singular usage grounds the word in a concrete historical moment of political defeat and personal humiliation.
While other Hebrew words like qashar can mean to tie or bind generally, rattoq is narrower, pointing to the physical instrument of restraint rather than the act itself. It shares its semantic field with ratiqah (H7572), another term for chain, though rattoq is the rarer form found in this specific narrative context. The word evokes the heavy, cold reality of imprisonment and the loss of royal authority.
Its occurrence in the account of Zedekiah’s fate highlights how chains function as symbols of subjugation in biblical history. By using this term, the text emphasizes the totality of Judah’s fall: even its king was reduced to a bound prisoner. The word serves as a stark reminder of human powerlessness against imperial force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rattoq describes a heavy chain used for binding prisoners, appearing in Scripture to mark moments of profound loss and subjugation. In its single occurrence, it refers to the iron chains placed on King Zedekiah after his capture, symbolizing the complete collapse of royal power and the harsh reality of defeat.
While this image is stark, it also highlights the contrast between human authority and divine sovereignty. When earthly structures fail and leaders are bound, we are reminded that our ultimate security does not rest in political stability or personal strength. Instead, faith invites us to trust in a God who remains constant even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
This word encourages believers to find hope beyond visible constraints. It reminds us that while chains can restrict the body, they cannot limit the reach of grace or the promises of God. In times of hardship, we look forward to the freedom found in Christ, where every bond is broken and restoration is promised.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with/ chains of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/רַתּוּק֤וֹת1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 6:21
So Solomon overlaid the house within with pure gold. He drew chains of gold across before the inner sanctuary, and he overlaid it with gold.
This verse describes chains of gold used decoratively in Solomon's temple, offering a rare contrast to the iron chains of imprisonment by showing metal as a symbol of sacred honor rather than restraint.