Chain

Chains in the Old Testament served both ornamental and punitive purposes. As insignia of honor, a gold chain placed around the neck signified high office: Pharaoh invested Joseph with such a chain as a mark of authority (Gen. 41:42), and Daniel received one from Belshazzar (Dan. 5:29). Decorative chains of gold adorned the temple pillars and the priestly breastplate (Exod. 39:17–21). Proverbs uses the image of a chain for the parental instruction and wisdom that adorn the recipient like a garland (Prov. 1:9).

In prophetic and apocalyptic literature, chains represent captivity and divine judgment (Ezek. 16:11; Lam. 3:7). In the New Testament, literal chains bind Paul in his Roman imprisonments (Acts 28:20; Eph. 6:20), while Jude and 2 Peter describe demonic beings held in chains of darkness awaiting judgment.