Original Word: רַתִּיקָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: rattiyqah
Pronunciation: rat-tee-kah
Phonetic Spelling: (rat-tee-kaw')
KJV: chain
Word Origin: [from H7576 (רָתַק - bound)]

1. a chain

chain

From rathaq; a chain -- chain.

see HEBREW rathaq

Word Origin
see rattoq.

Canonical Placement

רַתִּיקָה (raṭṭîqāh) is a hapax legomenon appearing only in 1 Kings 6:21, within the account of Solomon’s construction of the first temple.

Temple Function and Architectural Setting

The term refers to gold chains that were “extended across the front of the inner sanctuary” (1 Kings 6:21). These chains hung before the Debir—also called the Most Holy Place—forming a visible yet delicate threshold between the Holy Place and the innermost chamber that housed the ark of the covenant. By situating the רַתִּיקָה immediately in front of the veil, Solomon emphasized both access and restriction: the glory of God was near, but entry remained guarded.

Material and Craftsmanship

The chains were forged from “pure gold,” matching the overlay of the sanctuary’s walls, floor, and furnishings. Gold’s incorruptibility highlighted the permanence and holiness of the divine presence. The choice of elegantly fashioned chains—rather than solid bars—allowed light to penetrate, causing a shimmering effect that would draw the worshiper’s gaze toward the Most Holy Place without permitting intrusion.

Symbolic Import

1. Holiness and Separation: The רַתִּיקָה reinforced the principle that sinful humanity cannot casually approach God (compare Leviticus 16; Isaiah 6:3–5).
2. Covenant Bond: Chains visually depict binding; placed before the ark (the covenant chest), they recalled Israel’s binding relationship with Yahweh (Exodus 19:5–6).
3. Anticipation of Fulfillment: In the New Covenant the barrier is removed “through the curtain, that is, His flesh” (Hebrews 10:19–20). The golden chains thus foreshadow the mediated access granted by Christ, who both fulfills and transcends their function.

Historical and Cultural Notes

Temple architecture in the Ancient Near East sometimes incorporated chains or latticework to mark sacred zones. The biblical account, however, uniquely ties this feature to covenant theology and the presence of the living God, rather than to mere royal grandeur.

Ministry and Worship Lessons

• Reverent Design: Thoughtful craftsmanship can elevate worship by reflecting God’s beauty (Exodus 31:1–5).
• Guarded Access: Leaders today are called to uphold the holiness of gathered worship while proclaiming the open way made through Christ (1 Peter 1:15–16).
• Visible Theology: Physical elements in corporate worship—communion vessels, baptismal waters, even church architecture—should declare doctrinal truths as clearly as preached words.

Christological and Eschatological Connections

The rending of the temple veil at Christ’s crucifixion (Matthew 27:51) signaled that every barrier symbolized by the רַתִּיקָה had served its purpose. Believers now “have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus” (Hebrews 10:19). Yet the heavenly temple of Revelation 21:22 reminds the church that true access culminates in the unmediated presence of God and the Lamb, where no physical chains—or even temple walls—are needed.

בְּרַתּוּקֹ֤ות ברתוקות bə·rat·tū·qō·wṯ berattuKot bərattūqōwṯInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts