רַתִּיקָה
𐤓𐤕𐤉𐤒𐤄
rattîyqâh
H7572 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A metallic chain, typically an ornamental or ceremonial chain or necklace, sometimes indicating wealth or designation of status. In biblical contexts, the term refers primarily to a decorative or symbolic neck chain.
Semantic Range
ornamental chain, neck chain, necklace, chain as tribute or adornment
Root / Etymology
The term רַתִּיקָה is derived from the root רָתַק (r-t-q), which means 'to fasten, bind, tie, attach.' רַתִּיקָה is a feminine noun formation describing a specific object derived from the notion of fastening—here, a chain meant to be worn or fastened around the neck. The semantic development likely moved from the notion of 'binding' toward the physical object used for binding or adorning.
Historical & Contextual Notes
רַתִּיקָה appears very infrequently in the Hebrew Bible (notably in Numbers 31:50), where it is listed among valuable items offered as tribute after military victory. The verse places it among other personal ornaments, such as bracelets and signet rings, suggesting its ornamental and possibly status-conferring function. The term does not refer to chains used for restraint or punishment (for which other Hebrew words are used, e.g., אֲזִקִּים). Later usage in post-biblical Hebrew preserves the sense of an ornamental chain. Early translations (such as LXX) rendered it as ψέλιον, 'bracelet' or 'armlet,' though context indicates a neck ornament is more accurate. English Bible translations sometimes render the term generically as 'chain,' but this can obscure its ornamental nuance. There is no evidence for the word's use to describe a punitive chain or one with solely utilitarian function in the Hebrew Bible.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from רָתַק; a chain; chain.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רתק (r-t-q) — to fasten, bind, attach
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H7569 | רַתּוֹק | the binding-chain |
| H7576 | רָתַק | they were securely bound |
| H7577 | רְתֻקָה | binding-chains of |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7572-02 |
ב/רתיקות | vrtyqvt | HR/Ncfpc |
chains | ornamental neck-chains of | 1 |
H7572-01 |
בְּ/רַתּוּק֤וֹת | beratuqot | HR/Ncfpc |
chains | in binding-chains of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H7572-02 |
1 Kings 6:21 | ב/רתיקות | vrtyqvt | HR/Ncfpc |
chains | ornamental neck-chains of |
H7572-01 |
1 Kings 6:21 | בְּ/רַתּוּק֤וֹת | beratuqot | HR/Ncfpc |
chains | in binding-chains of |