Psalm 105 18

Psalm 105:18 kjv

Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:

Psalm 105:18 nkjv

They hurt his feet with fetters, He was laid in irons.

Psalm 105:18 niv

They bruised his feet with shackles, his neck was put in irons,

Psalm 105:18 esv

His feet were hurt with fetters; his neck was put in a collar of iron;

Psalm 105:18 nlt

They bruised his feet with fetters
and placed his neck in an iron collar.

Psalm 105 verses

Psalm 105 18 Meaning

Psalm 105:18 recounts a critical moment in Joseph's life, stating, "They bruised his feet with fetters, he was put in irons." This verse powerfully describes the severe physical and spiritual affliction Joseph endured while imprisoned in Egypt. It speaks of the heavy iron chains and shackles that restrained his body, causing physical pain and humiliation. Beyond the physical, the ancient interpretation, "his soul entered into iron," suggests a deep spiritual and emotional distress, where the suffering penetrated his very being, challenging his inner strength and faith. This verse encapsulates a period of intense trial and testing for Joseph, orchestrated by God for a sovereign purpose.

Psalm 105 18 Context

Psalm 105 is a hymn of praise and thanksgiving, recounting the Lord's faithful covenant history with Israel, from Abraham through the Exodus and into the promised land. The specific passage from verse 16 to 22 focuses on the narrative of Joseph. This segment highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events to fulfill His divine plan, even through profound adversity. Verse 18 directly describes the severe imprisonment of Joseph, emphasizing that his suffering, though unjust from a human perspective, was part of God's strategic preparation for him. This period of intense hardship (physical confinement and deep personal testing) was crucial before he was exalted to power (Ps 105:20-22) and became the instrument through whom God preserved His people. The verse is part of a larger story demonstrating God's providence and care for His covenant people.

Psalm 105 18 Word analysis

• They bruised his feet with fetters: This phrase in Hebrew is "כבלו ברגלו אנו" (kabĕlū bĕrəḡalō ʾanō).
  • כבלו (kabĕlū): This is a verb meaning "they fettered," "they bound with chains," or "they shackled." It signifies a deliberate act of physical restraint by others, referring to Joseph's captors in Egypt. The root verb "כבל" (kāval) means to bind, tie, or confine, emphasizing forceful restriction.
  • ברגלו (bĕrəḡalō): "In his foot" or "upon his feet." The preposition "ב" (be) means "in" or "with," and "רגל" (regel) means "foot" or "feet," with "ו" (o) as the possessive suffix "his." It literally refers to the application of chains or shackles to his feet.
  • אנו (ʾanō): This term in the Masoretic Text is somewhat ambiguous, with various interpretations among scholars. It is often understood in this context to reinforce "him," referring to Joseph as "the man" or "himself." It may imply a profound and personal application of the fetters to "him, the person," underscoring the severity of his treatment.
• he was put in irons: The Hebrew reads "בברזל נשמה באה" (bəḇarzel niśĕmatō baʾāh). This second half is more complex and has significant depth of interpretation.
  • בברזל (bəḇarzel): "In iron" or "with iron." The word "ברזל" (barzel) explicitly means "iron," referring to the material of the chains, indicating strength, hardness, and durability. This further highlights the severity and oppressive nature of the imprisonment.
  • נשמה באה (niśĕmatō baʾāh): Literally, "his breath/soul came/entered."
    • נשמה (neshamah): Primarily means "breath" (as in the breath of life from God, Gen 2:7). It can also denote "spirit" or "soul" in a broader sense, often referring to the essence of life or being. The Septuagint (LXX) translates this as "his soul" (ψυχὴ αὐτοῦ - psychē autou).
    • באה (baʾāh): The feminine singular past tense of "to come" or "to enter," agreeing with the feminine noun neshamah.
    The most profound interpretation of "נשמה באה" in this context is "his soul entered into iron," implying that the affliction of the iron chains went beyond merely physical discomfort, penetrating deep into his soul, spirit, or very being. It conveys a sense of deep inner suffering, mental anguish, and spiritual distress alongside the physical imprisonment. This was a complete, internal and external, test of Joseph. Alternatively, some interpretations take it to simply mean "his very person was constrained by iron," or "the iron pierced his inner being," focusing on the pervasive nature of the captivity.

Psalm 105 18 Bonus section

The seemingly unusual phrase "his soul entered into iron" (when interpreted from the Hebrew niśĕmatō baʾāh) represents a key hermeneutical challenge in this verse. While many modern English translations opt for a more straightforward physical depiction ("he was put in irons"), the more literal rendering carries a powerful spiritual metaphor. This concept resonates throughout scripture where internal affliction and spiritual suffering are often depicted through physical terms or intensely felt emotional states (e.g., Job's lamentations, many of the Psalms of lament). It suggests that the weight of the injustice and the hopelessness of his situation pressed heavily on Joseph's spirit, almost as if the iron shackles did not merely restrict his body but permeated his inner life. This emphasis aligns with the idea that Joseph's period of suffering was not merely punitive but served as a "furnace of affliction" (Isa 48:10), preparing him for divine service by testing and purifying his character and faith. It points to God's deep engagement with the interior life of His servants, even amidst external trials.

Psalm 105 18 Commentary

Psalm 105:18 offers a poignant glimpse into Joseph's suffering, underscoring not only the physical hardship of imprisonment but, more profoundly, the deep personal and spiritual toll it took. The description of his "feet in fetters" and being "put in irons" paints a picture of stark physical bondage. However, the unique Hebrew phrasing, particularly "his soul entered into iron," transforms this from a mere report of confinement into an insight into his profound anguish. It suggests that the affliction permeated his very soul, signifying a time of intense testing of his character, faith, and patience. Yet, this suffering was not without purpose. Within the broader narrative of Psalm 105, Joseph's painful ordeal is presented as an integral part of God's perfect plan to prepare him for his future role as savior of his family and nations, highlighting that God uses trials to purify and prepare His chosen instruments.