Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage in Scripture:Shackles, often referred to as chains or fetters, are devices used to bind prisoners, typically around the ankles or wrists, to restrict movement. In biblical times, shackles were commonly made of metal and symbolized captivity, oppression, and the loss of freedom. They are mentioned in various contexts throughout the Bible, both literally and metaphorically.
Old Testament References:In the Old Testament, shackles are frequently associated with the captivity and punishment of individuals. For instance, Samson, a judge of Israel, was bound with shackles by the Philistines after being betrayed by Delilah.
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."
Shackles also appear in the context of prophetic warnings and judgments. In
2 Chronicles 33:11, King Manasseh of Judah was captured by the Assyrians and taken to Babylon in shackles: "So the LORD brought against them the commanders of the army of the king of Assyria, who captured Manasseh, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles, and took him to Babylon."
New Testament References:In the New Testament, shackles are often mentioned in the context of the apostles' imprisonment for preaching the Gospel. The Apostle Paul, in particular, experienced being bound in chains multiple times. In
Acts 12:6-7, Peter is miraculously freed from shackles by an angel: "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. 'Quick, get up!' he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists."
Paul also refers to his own experiences with shackles in his letters, using them as a metaphor for his dedication to Christ and the Gospel. In
Ephesians 6:20, he writes, "For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should."
Symbolic Meaning:Shackles in the Bible often symbolize spiritual bondage and the power of sin. However, they also highlight the power of God to deliver and set free those who are bound. The breaking of physical shackles often serves as a metaphor for spiritual liberation and redemption.
Isaiah 58:6 speaks of God's desire to free people from oppression: "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?"
Theological Implications:The presence of shackles in Scripture underscores the reality of human bondage to sin and the need for divine intervention. The breaking of shackles, both literal and metaphorical, points to the redemptive work of Christ, who came to set the captives free (
Luke 4:18). Believers are called to live in the freedom that Christ provides, no longer bound by the chains of sin and death.
Conclusion:While shackles in the Bible often represent physical captivity, they also serve as a powerful symbol of spiritual bondage and the liberating power of God. Through Christ, believers are offered freedom from the shackles of sin, empowered to live in the liberty of the Spirit.
Greek
3976. pede -- a fetter, shackle... feet. Word Origin from peza (the instep) Definition a fetter, shackle
NASB Word Usage
shackles (3). shackle, fetter. Ultimately
...Strong's Hebrew
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.
...Library
Question Lxxxii of Devotion
... advantages or disadvantages; my utter lack of virtue; the wounds of my ignorance,
of my malice, of my weakness, of my concupiscence; theshackles on my hands...
Athenagoras.
... Christian morality, 146. Christianity, at the period of Athenagoras, 125. itsshackles
falling, 125. bolder tone of, 125. its conflict with heresies, 125....
Thoughts for the Clergy on the Amusement Question.
... dangerous in youth. They offer the freedom and license which youth loves. They
throw off theshackles which youth hates. Our cities and...
A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... seeking world. God does not often shake theshackles off His imprisoned saints,
and open the doors of the jail with an earthquake. He...
Introductory Note to Clement of Alexandria
...Shackles are falling from the persecuted and imprisoned faculties of the faithful,
and soon the Faith is to speak out, no more in tones of apology, but as...
The Home-Parlor.
... If we would, therefore, escape theshackles and contamination of corrupt society,
we must hold the parlor sacred and give to it the air and bearing of at least...
Fragment Xliii. In These Things There was Signified by Prophecy...
... But the breaking of the bonds of their own accord indicates that, upon repentance,
they shall be again loosed from theshackles of sin. Footnotes:...
The Alarum
... If we are able to escape theshackles of custom, and secure for devotion and
contemplation the hour when the dew is on the grass, we may count ourselves thrice...
A Choice of Masters
... Such service is suicidal; it rivets an iron yoke on our necks, and there is no
locksmith who can undo theshackles and lift it off, so long as we refuse to...
The Evangelical Confessions of Faith.
... articles of faith. The development of theology as a science must go on,
and will go on in spite of all theseshackles. As to the...
Thesaurus
Shackles (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Shackles (14 Occurrences).
... He marks all my paths.'
(See NIV). Psalms 105:18 They bruised his feet with
shackles.
...Collar (6 Occurrences)
... (3) (tsinoq, Jeremiah 29:26, "stocks"; the Revised Version (British and American)
"shackles," which see; the Revised Version, margin "collar")....
Neck-irons (1 Occurrence)
... that there may be officers in the house of Yahweh, for every man who is mad, and
makes himself a prophet, that you should put him in the stocks and inshackles...
Unbind (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To remove a band from; to set free fromshackles
or fastenings; to unite; to unfasten; to loose; as, unbind your fillets; to...
Locked (19 Occurrences)
... opposite his house. (BBE). Psalms 105:18 They bruised his feet withshackles.
His neck was locked in irons, (WEB). Proverbs 18:19...
Loose (219 Occurrences)
... (n.) A letting go; discharge. 13. (v.) To untie or unbind; to free from any fastening;
to remove theshackles or fastenings of; to set free; to relieve. 14....
Irons (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE WBS YLT). Psalms 105:18 They bruised his feet with
shackles. His neck was locked in irons, (WEB DBY NAS NIV)....
Empty (84 Occurrences)
... contents; not filled; -- said of an enclosure, as a box, room, house, etc.; as,
an empty chest, room, purse, or pitcher; an empty stomach; emptyshackles....
Madman (8 Occurrences)
... that there should be officers in the house of Jehovah, over every madman and
self-made prophet, that thou shouldest put him in the stocks and in theshackles....
Shack (1 Occurrence)
Resources
How can I get wisdom from God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the Enlightenment, and what impact did it have on Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgShackles: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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