A part of the insignia of office. A chain of gold was placed about Joseph's neck ( Genesis 41:42 ); and one was promised to ( Daniel 5:7 ). It is used as a symbol of sovereignty (Ezek. 16:11 ). The breast-plate of the high-priest was fastened to the ephod by golden chains ( Exodus 39:17 Exodus 39:21 ).

It was used as an ornament ( Proverbs 1:9 ; Cant 1:10 ). The Midianites adorned the necks of their camels with chains (Judg. Proverbs 8:21 Proverbs 8:26 ).

Chains were also used as fetters wherewith prisoners were bound ( Judges 16:21 ; 2 Sam 3:34 ; 2 Kings 25:7 ; Jeremiah 39:7 ). Paul was in this manner bound to a Roman soldier ( Acts 28:20 ; Ephesians 6:20 ; 2 Tim 1:16 ). Sometimes, for the sake of greater security, the prisoner was attached by two chains to two soldiers, as in the case of Peter ( Acts 12:6 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.