Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct and control a horse, consisting of a headstall, bit, and reins. In biblical times, the bridle was an essential tool for managing horses and other beasts of burden. The concept of the bridle is used metaphorically in Scripture to illustrate control, restraint, and guidance, both in a physical and spiritual sense.Biblical References: 1. James 3:2-3 : "We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal." Here, the bridle is used as a metaphor for self-control, particularly in speech. Just as a small bit can control a large horse, so can mastery over one's words lead to control over one's entire being. 2. Psalm 32:9 : "Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle, or they will not come to you." This verse emphasizes the importance of understanding and willingness to follow God's guidance, contrasting it with the need for external control when understanding is absent. 3. Isaiah 30:28 : "His breath is like an overflowing torrent that rises to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction, and to place in the jaws of the peoples a bit that leads them astray." In this passage, the imagery of a bridle is used to describe God's sovereign control over the nations, illustrating how He can direct the course of history according to His divine will. 4. Proverbs 26:3 : "A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!" This proverb highlights the necessity of discipline and correction, using the bridle as a symbol of guidance and control necessary for those who lack wisdom. Theological Implications: The bridle serves as a powerful symbol of control and guidance in the Christian life. It underscores the importance of self-discipline, particularly in controlling one's speech and actions. The metaphor extends to the spiritual realm, where believers are called to submit to God's guidance and allow the Holy Spirit to direct their paths. The bridle also serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to guide the course of human events according to His purposes. In the broader biblical narrative, the bridle represents the tension between human free will and divine control. While individuals are called to exercise self-control and wisdom, they are also reminded of their dependence on God's guidance and the necessity of yielding to His will. Easton's Bible Dictionary Three Hebrew words are thus rendered in the Authorized Version. (1.) Hebrews mahsom' signifies a muzzle or halter or bridle, by which the rider governs his horse (Psalm 39:1). (2.) Me'theg, rendered also "bit" in Psalm 32:9, which is its proper meaning. Found in 2 Kings 19:28, where the restraints of God's providence are metaphorically styled his "bridle" and "hook." God's placing a "bridle in the jaws of the people" (Isaiah 30:28; 37:29) signifies his preventing the Assyrians from carrying out their purpose against Jerusalem. (3.) Another word, re'sen, was employed to represent a halter or bridle-rein, as used Psalm 32:9; Isaiah 30:28. In Job 30:11 the restraints of law and humanity are called a bridle. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The head gear with which a horse is controlled, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.2. (n.) A restraint; a curb; a check. 3. (n.) The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc. 4. (n.) A span of rope, line, or chain made fast as both ends, so that another rope, line, or chain may be attached to its middle. 5. (n.) A mooring hawser. 6. (v. t.) To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse. 7. (v. t.) To restrain, guide, or govern, with, or as with, a bridle; to check, curb, or control; as, to bridle the passions; to bridle a muse. 8. (v. i.) To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; -- usually with up. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BIT AND BRIDLEbri'-d'-l (methegh wa-recen): The two words occur in conjunction (Psalm 32:9 the King James Version, "Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding; whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee"; the Revised Version (British and American)) "else they will not come near unto thee," margin, "that they come not near." Methegh, translated "bit" above, is properly a bridle or halter in which the bit was a loop passed round the under jaw of the animal; recen has a similar meaning. The counsel in the verse is that men should render a willing obedience to God and not be like the animals that man has to bridle and curb in order to get them to do his will. Compare James 3:3, where we have "bit" as translation of chalinos, "a bit" or "curb," "We put bits (the Revised Version (British and American) "bridles") in the horses' mouths that they may obey us." "Bridle" occurs separately as translation of methegh (2 Samuel 8:1), "David took Metheg-ammah," King James Version margin "the bridle of Ammah," the Revised Version (British and American) "the bridle of the mother city," margin, as the King James Version; the meaning may be that he took the control or dominion of it; "I will put. my bridle in thy lips" (2 Kings 19:28 Isaiah 37:29); "a bridle for the ass" (Proverbs 26:3); of recen (Job 30:11), "They have also let loose the bridle before me," the Revised Version (British and American) "and they have cast off the bridle before me" (acted in an unbridled (unrestrained) manner); Job 41:13, said of "leviathan" (the Revised Version (British and American) "the hippopotamus"), "Who can come to him his double bridle?" the American Standard Revised Version "within his jaws?" the English Revised Version "within his double bridle," others, "into the double row of his teeth"; Isaiah 30:28, "a bridle in the jaws of the people causing them to err," the Revised Version (British and American) "a bridle that causeth to err"; of machcom, which means "a muzzle" (Psalm 39:1), "I will keep my mouth with a bridle," King James Version margins "Hebrew, a bridle, or muzzle for my mouth"; so the Revised Version, margin. BRIDLE bri'-d'-l. Greek 5468. chalinagogeo -- to lead with a bridle ... to lead with a bridle. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: chalinagogeo Phonetic Spelling: (khal-in-ag-ogue-eh'-o) Short Definition: I bridle, curb Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5468.htm - 6k 5469. chalinos -- a bridle Strong's Hebrew 4964. metheg -- a bridle... 4963, 4964. metheg. 4965 . a bridle. Transliteration: metheg Phonetic Spelling: (meh-theg) Short Definition: bridle. Word Origin ... /hebrew/4964.htm - 5k 7448. resen -- a halter, jaw 4269. machsom -- a muzzle Library Bit and Bridle: How to Escape Them That it is Now Necessary, as it was not Before Man Sinned, to ... Diamond Said Nothing to his Mother About his Adventures. ... To Monna Giovanna and Her Other Daughters in Siena Psalm XXXIX. The Further Adventures of Saint George. The Preface Sunday-School Hymns. The Young Titus If the Head had not Been Right, --Haply the Members had Murmured ... Thesaurus Bridle (12 Occurrences)... Authorized Version. (1.) Hebrews mahsom' signifies a muzzle or halter or bridle, by which the rider governs his horse (Psalm 39:1). (2 ... /b/bridle.htm - 15k Bit (46 Occurrences) Metheg-ammah (1 Occurrence) Methegammah (1 Occurrence) Jaw (6 Occurrences) Jawbone (3 Occurrences) Insolence (11 Occurrences) Teeth (50 Occurrences) Raged (12 Occurrences) Rein (3 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about being stubborn / stubbornness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about talking too much / being talkative? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about coarse jesting and crude joking? | GotQuestions.org Bridle: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bridle (12 Occurrences)James 1:26 James 3:2 Revelation 14:20 2 Samuel 8:1 2 Kings 19:28 Job 30:11 Job 41:13 Psalms 32:9 Psalms 39:1 Proverbs 26:3 Isaiah 30:28 Isaiah 37:29 Subtopics Bridle: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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