Lexical Summary metheg: Bridle, control, restraint Original Word: מֶתֶג Strong's Exhaustive Concordance bit, bridle From an unused root meaning to curb; a bit -- bit, bridle. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a bridle NASB Translation bit (1), bridle (3), control (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶ֫תֶג noun masculine bridle (Aramaic (ᵑ7) מִתְגָּא; Late Hebrew מֶתֶג of secondary accent ָֽ; מִתֵּג Pi`el denominative put on a bridle); — 1 literally bridle, for animals; מֶתֶג לַחֲמוֺר Proverbs 26:3 a whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, etc.; וָרֶסֶן ׳בְּמ Psalm 32:9 with bridle and halter (on text of verse compare Che); of ׳י's birdle for Sennach. (under figure of beast), וּמִתְגִּי בִּשְׂפָתֶיךָ 2 Kings 19:28 and I will put (וְשַׂמְתִּי) my hook in thy nose and my bridle in thy lips = Isaiah 37:29 (see DrIs. ed. 2, 220). 2 figurative = control, authority, only in הָאַמָּה ׳מ 2 Samuel 8:1authority of the mother city, according to MV Buhl, of especially We Dr; Bu omit as corrupt (see I. אַמָּה, above); see, further, HPS. מְתוּשָׁאֵל, מְתוּשֶׁ֫לַח see below מַת above Topical Lexicon Metheg in Biblical ThoughtThe noun מֶתֶג depicts a bit or bridle—an instrument placed in the mouth of an animal so that a rider can restrain, direct, or recall it. In every passage where the term appears, the imagery stresses God-given control, whether over a pagan empire, an unteachable heart, or a foolish temperament. Canonical Occurrences • 2 Kings 19:28 and its parallel Isaiah 37:29 set מֶתֶג in the context of Sennacherib’s invasion. The Most High says, “I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth”. The Assyrian monarch thinks himself unstoppable, yet the Almighty yokes him like a tamed beast and turns him back the way he came. Historical-Redemptive Significance In the Assyrian passages, מֶתֶג becomes a symbol of divine sovereignty in international affairs. Judah, beleaguered and outmatched, learns that world rulers can be led about as easily as livestock when the Lord chooses. Thus the word reinforces the prophetic conviction that history serves redemptive purposes (cf. Isaiah 10:5-16). Pedagogy in Wisdom Literature Psalm 32 and Proverbs 26 use the bit to develop a theology of discipleship. God desires informed, willing submission rather than forced compliance. Where understanding is absent, He applies external discipline, but the psalm implies a better path: responsive hearts that heed His “instructing eye” (Psalm 32:8). This anticipates the new-covenant promise of internalized law (Jeremiah 31:33). Theological Themes 1. Sovereignty—The Lord directs nations with the same ease a rider guides a horse. Practical Ministry Implications • Preaching: מֶתֶג supplies vivid language for calling hearers from stubborn self-rule to joyful submission. Links to New Testament Teaching James 3:3 echoes the same picture: “When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.” The apostle applies the metaphor to tongue control, underscoring that small instruments can redirect a large life. Revelation 19:15 presents Christ wielding irresistible authority over the nations, the ultimate fulfillment of the restraint implied in מֶתֶג. Summary Metheg portrays God’s prerogative to curb, guide, and redirect both individuals and empires. Whether checking Assyrian pride or urging teachability in the believer, the bit calls every heart to the glad surrender that renders further restraint unnecessary. Forms and Transliterations בְּמֶֽתֶג־ במתג־ וּמִתְגִּי֙ ומתגי מֶ֣תֶג מתג bə·me·ṯeḡ- bemeteg bəmeṯeḡ- me·ṯeḡ Meteg meṯeḡ ū·miṯ·gî umitGi ūmiṯgîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Kings 19:28 HEB: חַחִ֜י בְּאַפֶּ֗ךָ וּמִתְגִּי֙ בִּשְׂפָתֶ֔יךָ וַהֲשִׁ֣בֹתִ֔יךָ NAS: in your nose, And My bridle in your lips, KJV: in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, INT: my hook your nose and my bridle your lips will turn Psalm 32:9 Proverbs 26:3 Isaiah 37:29 4 Occurrences |
    |