Original Word: עָנָק
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: `anaq
Pronunciation: ah-nahk
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-nawk')
KJV: chain
NASB: neck bands, ornaments, strand
Word Origin: [from H6059 (עָנַק - furnish him liberally)]

1. a necklace (as if strangling)

chain

From anaq; a necklace (as if strangling) -- chain.

see HEBREW anaq

Word Origin
from the same as Anaq
Definition
a necklace, neck pendant
NASB Translation
neck bands (1), ornaments (1), strand (1).

II. עֲנָק noun masculine^{Song of Solomon 4:9} necklace, neck-pendant (Aramaism according to Lag^{BN 175}); — absolute ׳ע Songs 4:9 apparently part of necklace, perhaps neck-pendant; plural עֲנָקוֺת Judges 8:26 (ornament of camels), עֲנָקִים Proverbs 1:9 (of youth; in figure).

Overview

עָנָק (Strong’s Hebrew 6060) denotes a decorative necklace, pendant, or chain worn around the neck. Though appearing only three times in the Hebrew canon, the term gathers rich theological and practical significance through its contexts, each portraying a different dimension of honor, value, and relationship before God.

Occurrences and Translation

• Judges 8:26 – military spoil: “apart from the crescent ornaments, pendants, and purple garments…”
• Proverbs 1:9 – parental wisdom: “For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck.”
• Song of Songs 4:9 – matrimonial affection: “You have captured my heart… with one jewel of your necklace.”

Symbolism of Honor and Reward

Ancient Near-Eastern culture treated the neck as a place of dignity; what rested there proclaimed status. Scripture mirrors this worldview, yet uplifts it toward divine values. The necklace symbolizes reward for valor (Judges), the beauty of internalized wisdom (Proverbs), and covenantal love (Song of Songs). In each sphere—public victory, family formation, marital intimacy—the ornament points to blessings granted by the LORD and received with gratitude.

Royal and Military Context (Judges 8:26)

When Gideon collected the Midianite spoil, the necklaces lay among crescent ornaments and purple garments—regalia of defeated kings. Their seizure underscored the LORD’s supremacy over pagan power and highlighted Israel’s deliverance. That the text names the item separately indicates its material worth, yet the greater lesson lies in God’s faithfulness to raise humble Gideon and cast down oppressors. The removed necklaces thus become silent witnesses to divine victory and the futility of idolatrous splendor.

Wisdom and Parental Instruction (Proverbs 1:9)

The father’s exhortation pictures obedience to godly teaching as a necklace gracefully adorning the son’s neck. True beauty springs from internal character, not external finery. By invoking עָנָק, Solomon employs common adornment to illustrate how wisdom publicly distinguishes the faithful. As the ornament rests close to the heart and is visible to all, so wisdom must be cherished within and expressed outwardly, attracting others to the fear of the LORD.

Romantic Devotion (Song of Songs 4:9)

In the Song, the necklace indicates the bride’s individuality and worth in her husband’s eyes. One jewel from it is enough to “capture” his heart. The imagery intertwines physical attraction with covenant commitment, portraying marital love as pure, exclusive, and profoundly satisfying. The rare use of עָנָק accentuates the personal, intimate focus: while nations may flaunt regalia and children may gain honor, the heart of marriage values the beloved herself.

Historical and Cultural Notes

1. Necklaces were fashioned from gold, silver, or precious stones, often bearing religious or dynastic motifs.
2. Both men and women wore them; a chain worn by Joseph (Genesis 41:42) parallels the honor motif, although with a different Hebrew word.
3. Camels, symbols of wealth, also bore neck chains (Judges 8:26), underscoring the portable nature of ancient treasures.

Intertestamental and New Testament Echoes

Later Jewish literature maintains the link between wisdom and adornment (cf. Sirach 6:31). The New Testament elevates the concept: “Do not let your adornment be external… but the hidden person of the heart” (1 Peter 3:3-4). While physical jewelry is not condemned, Scripture consistently presses believers toward moral and spiritual splendor that reflects Christ’s glory.

Practical Ministry Implications

• Discipleship: Teach that godly instruction should be worn like a necklace—displayed through conduct and speech.
• Stewardship: Possessions, however luxurious, must remain subordinate to obedience; Gideon’s later struggle with the ephod warns against letting victory spoils become stumbling blocks.
• Marriage Enrichment: Encourage spouses to value one another’s personhood beyond outward accessories, mirroring the Song’s tender language.
• Worship: Visual symbols (e.g., a baptismal cross) can remind believers of grace, yet the ultimate ornament is the love of God “poured out into our hearts” (Romans 5:5).

Related Terms and Distinctions

עֲנָקִים (anklets, Isaiah 3:19) and רְבִיד (royal chain, Genesis 41:42) share the adornment field but carry distinct nuances. עָנָק remains focused on the neck, situating it uniquely at the intersection of intellect (head) and emotion (heart), embodying holistic devotion to the LORD.

הָ֣עֲנָק֔וֹת הענקות וַ֝עֲנָקִ֗ים וענקים עֲנָ֖ק ענק ‘ă·nāq ‘ănāq aNak hā‘ănāqōwṯ hā·‘ă·nā·qō·wṯ haanaKot vaanaKim wa‘ănāqîm wa·‘ă·nā·qîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts