Topical Encyclopedia
Fetters, often referred to as chains or shackles, are devices used to bind prisoners, typically around the ankles or wrists, to restrict movement. In biblical times, fetters were commonly made of iron and symbolized captivity, oppression, and the loss of freedom. The use of fetters is mentioned several times throughout the Bible, both in literal and metaphorical contexts.
Old Testament ReferencesIn the Old Testament, fetters are frequently associated with the subjugation of individuals, often as a result of warfare or divine judgment. One notable instance is found in the account of Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers.
Psalm 105:18 recounts, "They bruised his feet with shackles and placed his neck in irons," highlighting the physical and emotional suffering Joseph endured before rising to a position of power in Egypt.
Another significant mention is in the account of Samson, the judge of Israel, who was captured by the Philistines.
Judges 16:21 states, "Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza, binding him with bronze shackles. He was forced to grind grain in the prison." Samson's binding with fetters symbolizes the consequences of his disobedience to God and the loss of his divine strength.
New Testament ReferencesIn the New Testament, fetters are often used to describe the persecution of early Christians. The Apostle Peter, for example, was imprisoned and bound with chains by King Herod.
Acts 12:6-7 narrates, "On the night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, 'Get up quickly!' And the chains fell off his wrists."
The miraculous release of Peter from his fetters serves as a testament to God's power and the deliverance of His faithful servants. Similarly, the Apostle Paul experienced imprisonment and was often bound in chains for preaching the Gospel. In
2 Timothy 2:9 , Paul writes, "For which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained."
Symbolic MeaningBeyond their literal use, fetters in the Bible also carry a symbolic meaning, representing spiritual bondage and the enslavement of sin. The imagery of being bound in chains is used to describe the condition of those who are captive to sin and in need of redemption. In contrast, the breaking of fetters signifies liberation and the transformative power of God's grace.
Isaiah 61:1 prophesies the coming of the Messiah, who will "bind up the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners." This passage underscores the mission of Jesus Christ to free humanity from the bondage of sin and restore spiritual freedom.
ConclusionFetters, as depicted in the Bible, serve as a powerful symbol of both physical and spiritual captivity. They remind believers of the reality of suffering and oppression, while also pointing to the hope of deliverance and freedom through faith in God. The breaking of fetters, whether literal or metaphorical, illustrates the redemptive work of God in the lives of His people.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Fetter.
Strong's Hebrew
4575b. maadannoth -- perhaps in bonds orfetters... 4575a, 4575b. maadannoth. 4576 . perhaps in bonds or
fetters. Transliteration:
maadannoth Short Definition: cheerfully. Word Origin
...5178. nechosheth -- copper, bronze
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition copper, bronze NASB Word Usage brass
(2), bronze (130), bronze chains (1), bronzefetters (2), chain (1), copper...
3525. kebel -- a fetter
... 3524, 3525. kebel. 3526 . a fetter. Transliteration: kebel Phonetic
Spelling: (keh'-bel) Short Definition:fetters. Word Origin...
5914. ekes -- an anklet, bangle
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition an anklet, bangle NASB Word
Usage anklets (1),fetters (1). stocks, tinkling ornament....
5913. akas -- to shake bangles, rattle, tinkle
... A primitive root; properly, to tie, specifically, withfetters; but used only as
denominative from ekec; to put on anklets -- make a tinkling ornament....
4147. moser -- a band, bond
... Word Origin from asar Definition a band, bond NASB Word Usage bands (1), bond (1),
bonds (6), chains (1),fetters (2), shackles (1). band, bond....
2203b. zeq -- a fetter
... zeq. 2204 . a fetter. Transliteration: zeq Short Definition: chains. Word Origin
from an unused word Definition a fetter NASB Word Usage chains (2),fetters (...
Library
Now Then, O My Helper, Hadst Thou Loosed Me from thoseFetters...
... Book VII Chapter VII Now then, O my Helper, hadst Thou loosed me from
thosefetters? Now then, O my Helper, hadst Thou loosed...
The Reconnoitering of Greece.
... of Darius."He sends for Democedes."Democedes's denial."He treats the sprain
successfully."Darius's recovery."The goldenfetters."Democedes released...
The Lord of Demons
... spirit, 3. Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no,
not with chains: 4. Because that he had been often bound withfetters and chains...
Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
... caves which were used as tombs.] ^b and no man could any more bind him, no, not
with a chain; 4 because that he had been often bound withfetters and chains...
Man's Misery by the Fall
... is called The prince of the power of the air.' Ephesians 2:2. Before the fall man
was a free denizen, now a slave; before, a king on the throne, now infetters...
Psalm CXLIX.
... 10. "That they may bind their kings infetters, and their nobles in bonds of iron...
How then do we understand their being bound infetters and chains of iron?...
It is with no Loss or Disparagement Therefore of his Divine Nature...
... It is as if a king were to proceed to a prison, and to go in and open the doors,
undo thefetters, break in pieces the chains, the bars, and the bolts, and...
Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and...
... his death eternal death,' while as regarded God and His judgment: if He is angry
with me, His Wrath is an Eternal Wrath, if He binds me infetters, Hisfetters...
Against Excessive Fondness for Jewels and Gold Ornaments.
... The ungraceful things round the feet of women, Philemon in the Synephebus called
ankle-fetters:"....Fetters, seals, chains, rings, powders,....
Lord of Life and Love
... spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not
with chains: because that he had been often bound withfetters and chains, and...
Thesaurus
Fetters (21 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Fetters (21 Occurrences).
... For the unclean spirit had often
seized the man. He was kept under guard, and bound with chains and
fetters.
...Shackles (14 Occurrences)
... Mark 5:4 because he had been often bound withfetters and chains, and the chains
had been torn apart by him, and thefetters broken in pieces....
Bindeth (25 Occurrences)
... 25:7 And the sons of Zedekiah they have slaughtered before his eyes, and the eyes
of Zedekiah he hath blinded, and bindeth him with brazenfetters, and they...
Often (74 Occurrences)
... Mark 5:4 because he had been often bound withfetters and chains, and the chains
had been torn apart by him, and thefetters broken in pieces....
Fetter (4 Occurrences)
... restraint. 3. (p. pr. & vb. n.) To putfetters upon; to shackle or confine
the feet of with a chain; to bind. 4. (p. pr. & vb. n...
Blinded (15 Occurrences)
... 25:7 And the sons of Zedekiah they have slaughtered before his eyes, and the eyes
of Zedekiah he hath blinded, and bindeth him with brazenfetters, and they...
Chained (9 Occurrences)
... Mark 5:4 because that he many times withfetters and chains had been bound, and
pulled in pieces by him had been the chains, and thefetters broken in pieces...
Chain (21 Occurrences)
... (3.) Chains were also used asfetters wherewith prisoners were... 2. (n.) That which
confines,fetters, or secures, as a chain; a bond; as, the chains of habit....
Bound (175 Occurrences)
... (v.) imp. & pp of Bind. 14. (pp & a.) Restrained by a hand, rope, chain,fetters,
or the like. 15.... He was kept under guard, and bound with chains andfetters....
Broke (153 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Mark 5:4 because he had been often bound withfetters and chains, and
the chains had been torn apart by him, and thefetters broken in pieces....
Resources
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