In biblical terminology, the concept of being "fettered" refers to being bound or restrained, often with chains or shackles. This imagery is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to convey various spiritual and physical states of bondage.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, fetters are often mentioned in the context of physical imprisonment or captivity. For instance, Joseph, after being sold into slavery by his brothers, was bound in fetters during his time in Egypt. Psalm 105:18 recounts, "They bruised his feet with shackles; his neck was put in irons." This verse highlights the physical suffering and humiliation associated with being fettered.

The use of fetters is also seen in the account of Samson. After being betrayed by Delilah, Samson was captured by the Philistines, who "gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza, binding him with bronze shackles" (Judges 16:21). Here, the fetters symbolize not only physical captivity but also the spiritual downfall of a man who had been set apart by God.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the concept of being fettered is often used metaphorically to describe spiritual bondage. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently refers to himself as a "prisoner of Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 3:1), indicating a willing submission and commitment to the Gospel, despite his physical imprisonment.

The imagery of fetters is also present in the account of the Gerasene demoniac. In Mark 5:4 , it is noted that "he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he had torn the chains apart and broken the shackles to pieces." This passage illustrates the power of spiritual bondage and the liberation that comes through Christ, who ultimately frees the man from demonic possession.

Spiritual Implications

The concept of being fettered carries significant spiritual implications. It serves as a powerful metaphor for the bondage of sin and the human condition apart from God's grace. In Romans 6:6 , Paul writes, "We know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless, that we should no longer be slaves to sin." Here, the imagery of fetters is used to describe the enslavement to sin that is broken through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

Furthermore, the breaking of fetters is symbolic of deliverance and freedom in Christ. Isaiah 61:1 prophesies the coming of the Messiah, stating, "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners." This passage underscores the mission of Christ to liberate those who are spiritually fettered.

Conclusion

The biblical theme of being fettered, whether in a physical or spiritual sense, serves as a profound reminder of the human need for deliverance and the transformative power of God's grace. Through the narrative of Scripture, the breaking of fetters is consistently associated with divine intervention and the ultimate freedom found in a relationship with God.(a.) Seeming as if fettered, as the feet of certain animals which bend backward, and appear unfit for walking.

The Fettered Bird Freed.
... The Fettered Bird Freed. A friend in Ireland once met a little Irish boy
who had caught a sparrow. The poor little bird was trembling ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/the fettered bird freed.htm

So Then, if Souls Lose all their Knowledge on Being Fettered with ...
... Book II. 27 So then, if souls lose all their knowledge on being fettered
with the body? So then, if souls lose all their knowledge ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/27 so then if souls.htm

He Compels to the Perpetration of Horrible Turpitudes.
... O execrable perdition and ruin of deluded souls! I am not speaking of the blasphemy
of saying these things about the nature of God which is thus fettered. ...
/.../chapter 47 name compels to.htm

Whether the Blessed virgin was Cleansed from the Infection of the ...
... Lastly, others say that, in her first sanctification, the fomes remained essentially,
but was fettered; and that, when she conceived the Son of God, it was ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the blessed virgin was 3.htm

Certain Unspeakable Turpitudes Believed, not Without Reason ...
... their own Elect that same commingled part and nature of God is purged, by eating
and drinking forsooth, (because they say that it is held fettered in all foods ...
/.../chapter 45 name unspeakable turpitudes.htm

Manich??an Blasphemies Concerning the Nature of God.
... race of darkness, which they call evil, for combating which they descended not of
their own accord, but at the command of the Father, are fettered forever in ...
/.../chapter 42 name blasphemies concerning.htm

Incredible Turpitudes in God Imagined by Manich??us.
... and ruling all things, undefilably, inviolably, incorruptibly, without any connection
with them, which we say of God; but fettered, oppressed, polluted, to be ...
/.../chapter 44 name turpitudes in.htm

Psalm LXVIII.
... place, not for the sake of the merits preceding of those persons out of whom He
buildeth it, see what followeth: "Who leadeth forth men fettered, in strength ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxviii.htm

Whether the Devil Can Induce Man to Sin of Necessity?
... But then, the reason being thus fettered, whatever man may do, it is not
imputed to him as a sin. If, however, the reason is not ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the devil can induce 2.htm

Psalm CXLVI.
... hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." [5895] We ought
to be God's hungry ones...."The Lord looseth them that are fettered; the Lord ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cxlvi.htm

Fettered (3 Occurrences)
... (a.) Seeming as if fettered, as the feet of certain animals which bend backward,
and appear unfit for walking. ...Fettered (3 Occurrences). ...
/f/fettered.htm - 7k

Fetter (4 Occurrences)
... 4. (p. pr. & vb. n.) To restrain from motion; to impose restraints on; to confine;
to enchain; as, fettered by obligations. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/f/fetter.htm - 8k

Fetters (21 Occurrences)

/f/fetters.htm - 12k

Ringlets (1 Occurrence)
... Ringlets (1 Occurrence). Song of Songs 7:5 Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And
the locks of thy head like purple; The king is fettered by thy ringlets! (DBY) ...
/r/ringlets.htm - 6k

Locks (29 Occurrences)
... (KJV WBS). Song of Songs 7:5 Thy head upon thee is like Carmel, And the locks of
thy head like purple; The king is fettered by thy ringlets! (DBY YLT NAS RSV). ...
/l/locks.htm - 18k

Iscariot (11 Occurrences)
... And from his fettered greed and disappointed ambition sprang jealousy and spite
and hatred. It was the hatred, not of a strong, but of an essentially weak man. ...
/i/iscariot.htm - 25k

Judas (42 Occurrences)
... And from his fettered greed and disappointed ambition sprang jealousy and spite
and hatred. It was the hatred, not of a strong, but of an essentially weak man. ...
/j/judas.htm - 45k

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Fettered: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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