צַוַּאר
Definition
The Hebrew noun צַוַּאר (tsavvaʼr) specifically means 'neck.' In its three biblical occurrences, all in the Book of Daniel, it refers to the physical neck of a person. In Daniel 5:7, 5:16, and 5:29, the word is used in the context of royal rewards, where a golden chain is placed around the neck of the one who can interpret the mysterious writing. This act symbolizes honor, high office, and authority within the Babylonian court.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Book of Daniel (Daniel 5:7, 5:16, 5:29). In each instance, it describes the physical neck upon which a chain of gold is placed as a reward from King Belshazzar. The usage is consistent and ceremonial, directly tied to the public bestowal of honor and promotion to the third highest rank in the kingdom for interpreting the handwriting on the wall.
Etymology
The word צַוַּאר (tsavvaʼr) is an Aramaic noun that corresponds directly to the Hebrew word צַוָּאר (tsavvaʼr, H6677), both meaning 'neck.' It is a common Semitic root, with cognates in other related languages. The Aramaic form appears in the biblical text because these chapters of Daniel were originally written in Aramaic, the lingua franca of the ancient Near Eastern empires.
Semantic Range
While the word itself is a simple anatomical term, its usage in Daniel carries significant symbolic weight. The act of placing a chain on the neck (Daniel 5:7, 16, 29) is a public declaration of honor and authority granted by the king. This contrasts with other biblical imagery where placing something on the neck can symbolize a burden (e.g., a yoke) or shame. Here, it underscores God's sovereign ability to elevate the faithful (like Daniel) in the midst of a pagan empire, demonstrating that true honor and wisdom come from God, not human rulers.
In the ancient Near East, adorning the neck with jewelry, especially chains of gold, was a common practice to denote high social status, royal favor, and official rank. The specific act described in Daniel—publicly placing a chain on someone's neck and proclaiming their new authority—was a recognized ceremonial gesture in Babylonian and Persian courts. It was a visible, non-verbal proclamation of promotion and honor understood by all observers.
צַוָּאר (tsavvaʼr, H6677) — The direct Hebrew equivalent, used in the Hebrew portions of the Old Testament with the same core meaning of 'neck.'
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →