Lexical Summary hamnika: Nurse, Nursing Mother Original Word: הַמְנִיךְ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chain (Aramaic) but the text is hamuwnek {ham-oo-nayk'}; of foreign origin; a necklace -- chain. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) of foreign origin Definition a chain, necklace NASB Translation necklace (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs הַמְנִיכָא Qr (Kt המינכָא, also [Gi] המוניכא, etc.) noun [masculine] chain, necklace (Talmud הַמְנִכָּא DWB 108; Syriac Topical Lexicon Definition and Cultural Setting הַמְנִיךְ (Strong’s Hebrew 2002) denotes an ornamental chain or necklace placed upon the neck as a public emblem of dignity. In the royal courts of the Neo-Babylonian and early Medo-Persian periods such a collar of solid gold, sometimes rigid like a torque, served as an investiture piece given by the monarch to high officials, military commanders, or sages whose counsel proved invaluable. Archaeological reliefs from Nineveh and Susa, together with cuneiform records, confirm that a golden neck chain accompanied robes of purple and a promotion in rank. Occurrences in Daniel The term appears three times, all in Daniel chapter 5. Belshazzar, confronted by the mysterious handwriting on the wall, offers the same triad of rewards to anyone who can interpret the inscription: When Daniel finally interprets the divine message of judgment, the king keeps his promise and places הַמְנִיךְ upon the prophet, even though the Babylonian kingdom is already under sentence that very night (Daniel 5:30-31). Symbolism of Authority and Reward 1. Public Recognition. The chain instantly identified its wearer as part of the ruling elite, visible proof of the sovereign’s favor. Comparative Biblical Motifs • Proverbs 1:9 likens godly instruction to “a graceful garland for your head and a chain for your neck,” underscoring that true wisdom confers enduring honor. Historical Background Tablets from the reign of Nebuchadnezzar II record gifts of torques to governors, while Xenophon (Cyropaedia 8.3.24-25) notes that Persian kings awarded collars of gold to distinguished allies. The practice reached the Hellenistic world, where Antiochus III granted “a golden chain” to Simon the high priest (1 Maccabees 10:89). Daniel’s reception of הַמְנִיךְ therefore mirrors a well-attested Near-Eastern custom. Theological Implications Daniel accepts the chain yet remains unmoved by its prestige, teaching that believers can serve faithfully in secular structures without compromising loyalty to God (cf. 1 Corinthians 7:31). The episode also dramatizes the contrast between the transient glories of human kingdoms and the everlasting dominion of the Most High (Daniel 4:34). Christological and Eschatological Reflections Jesus Christ refused Satan’s offer of “all the kingdoms of the world and their glory” (Matthew 4:8-10), choosing the path of the cross. His exaltation, however, eclipses every royal honor: “On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). Daniel’s temporary decoration thus foreshadows the ultimate, unassailable authority invested in the Son of Man (Daniel 7:14). Practical Ministry Insights • Spiritual gifts may bring public affirmation, yet servants of God must remember that true reward is divine approval, not human titles. Summary הַמְנִיךְ represents more than an antique piece of jewelry; it embodies the fleeting glory of worldly power set against the unshakable kingdom of God. Daniel’s account challenges readers to value divine wisdom over temporal reward and to rest in the assurance that ultimate authority lies in the hands of the One whose reign will never pass away. Forms and Transliterations וְהַֽמְנִיכָ֤א וְהַֽמְנִיכָ֥א והמניכא vehamniCha wə·ham·nî·ḵā wəhamnîḵāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Daniel 5:7 HEB: [וְהַמֹּונְכָא כ] (וְהַֽמְנִיכָ֤א ק) דִֽי־ NAS: with purple and [have] a necklace of gold KJV: with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold INT: purple shall be clothed chain who of gold Daniel 5:16 Daniel 5:29 3 Occurrences |
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; loan-word from Greek μανιάκης K§ 64, 4; or < Persian hämy¹n, girdle [diminutive would be hamy¹nak] (whence also Greek μαν., Bev DrDaniel 5:7) AndrM 60* (reading הַמְיָֽנְכָא); see also Behrmix LagGes. Abh. 40; Arm. Stud. 1420; see Krauss5f. (who compares also Talmud מוּנְיָיק, מָנְיָיק necklace, bracelet, LevyNHWB iii. 52 b, 158 b D230)); — of gold,