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עָנָק

𐤏𐤍𐤒

ʻânâq

H6060 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ענק to encircle, to wind around, to strangle

Definition

Ornamental neckpiece, commonly a necklace or collar, typically worn around the neck as personal adornment or a mark of status. In some contexts, it may refer more generally to a chain or decorative band encircling the neck. The word suggests an object made of valuable materials, often gold, and possibly consisting of linked elements or beads, serving both decorative and possibly ceremonial or symbolic functions.

Semantic Range

ornamental necklace, collar, neck chain, decorative band for the neck, golden neckpiece

Root / Etymology

From the root ענק (ʿ-n-q), which means 'to encircle, to wind around the neck.' The noun form עָנָק derives from this root and denotes something that encircles the neck; in this context, a necklace or chain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

עָנָק appears in the Hebrew Bible primarily with reference to ornamental necklaces, often as gifts or adornments for women (e.g., Genesis 41:42, Judges 8:26, Proverbs 1:9). The term is associated with status, honor, and wealth, and is generally distinguished from other kinds of jewelry by its placement around the neck. Although some English translations render it as 'chain,' in the biblical context it typically refers to a decorative item rather than a utilitarian chain. Later usage in translation traditions may use the term 'jewelry' or 'necklace,' sometimes even 'chain,' but this broader sense can obscure the specific association with ornamental neckwear implied in the Hebrew word. The term does not carry the connotation of constraint or imprisonment, which 'chain' might suggest in English, but instead focuses on its use as ornamentation. There is no evidence to suggest that עָנָק refers to religious objects or amulets in ancient Israelite practice.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָנַק; a necklace (as if strangling); chain.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ענק (ʿ-n-q) — to encircle, to wind around, to strangle

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H6059 עָנַק she necklace-adorned them
H6061 עָנָק Anak
H6062 עֲנָקִי Anakites

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H6060-01 עֲנָ֖ק anaq HNcmsa jewel neck-encircling necklace 1
H6060-03 וַ֝/עֲנָקִ֗ים vaanaqim HC/Ncmpa and chains neck-encircling necklaces 1
H6060-02 הָ֣/עֲנָק֔וֹת haanaqot HTd/Ncmpa the chains the neck-encircling chains 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H6060-02 Judges 8:26 הָ֣/עֲנָק֔וֹת haanaqot HTd/Ncmpa the chains the neck-encircling chains
H6060-03 Proverbs 1:9 וַ֝/עֲנָקִ֗ים vaanaqim HC/Ncmpa and chains neck-encircling necklaces
H6060-01 Song of Songs 4:9 עֲנָ֖ק anaq HNcmsa jewel neck-encircling necklace
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