Lexical Summary pedé: Fetter, shackle Original Word: παιδεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance shackle, fetter. Ultimately from pous; a shackle for the feet -- fetter. see GREEK pous NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peza (the instep) Definition a fetter, shackle NASB Translation shackles (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3976: πέδηπέδη, πεδης, ἡ (from πέζα the foot, instep), a fetter, shackle for the feet: Mark 5:4; Luke 8:29. (From Homer down; the Sept..) Topical Lexicon Overview of the Symbolism of FettersThe term denotes iron restraints fastened to a prisoner’s feet. In Scripture, such fetters represent the binding power of evil, the oppression of spiritual darkness, and humanity’s need for deliverance that only God can provide. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Mark 5:4 – The Gerasene demoniac had “often been bound with shackles and chains, but he had broken the chains and snapped the shackles”. These passages highlight the futility of human restraints against demonic power and point to the superior authority of Jesus Christ, who alone can liberate the captive. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world, shackles were common in prisons and among military captives. They were fashioned from iron and sometimes linked by short chains to prevent escape. Within Jewish culture, fetters also symbolized subjugation under foreign powers (Jeremiah 40:4; Psalm 149:8). Their physical weight and the pain they inflicted made them a vivid picture of spiritual and moral bondage. Related Old Testament Imagery Old Testament writers frequently used fetters to portray oppressive regimes (Psalm 105:18) and the consequences of sin (Proverbs 5:22). Conversely, God is revealed as the One who “sets the prisoner free” (Psalm 146:7). The New Testament continues this trajectory by presenting Jesus as the ultimate Liberator. Christological Reflections Jesus’ decisive command, “Come out of this man, you unclean spirit!” (Mark 5:8), demonstrates His messianic authority foretold in passages such as Isaiah 61:1: “He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives.” What human strength and metal fetters could not achieve, Christ accomplished instantly, thereby authenticating His divine mission. Ministry and Pastoral Significance • Deliverance: These texts assure believers that no bondage—physical, psychological, or spiritual—lies beyond Christ’s power. Practical Application for Believers 1. Proclaim freedom in Christ to those enslaved by sin, addiction, or demonic oppression. Cross References Psalm 107:10-16; Isaiah 42:6-7; Acts 12:6-7; 2 Timothy 2:9; Revelation 1:17-18 Forms and Transliterations πέδαι πεδαις πέδαις πεδας πέδας pedais pédais pedas pédasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 5:4 N-DFPGRK: αὐτὸν πολλάκις πέδαις καὶ ἁλύσεσιν NAS: been bound with shackles and chains, KJV: bound with fetters and INT: he often with shackles and chains Mark 5:4 N-AFP Luke 8:29 N-DFP Strong's Greek 3976 |
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