Psalms 105:18
Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron:
Original Language Analysis
עִנּ֣וּ
they hurt
H6031
עִנּ֣וּ
they hurt
Strong's:
H6031
Word #:
1 of 6
to depress literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive (in various applications, as follows)
רַגְל֑יוֹ
Whose feet
H7272
רַגְל֑יוֹ
Whose feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
3 of 6
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
בַּ֝רְזֶ֗ל
in iron
H1270
בַּ֝רְזֶ֗ל
in iron
Strong's:
H1270
Word #:
4 of 6
iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement
Cross References
Genesis 40:15For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews: and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.Genesis 39:20And Joseph's master took him, and put him into the prison, a place where the king's prisoners were bound: and he was there in the prison.Acts 16:24Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
Historical Context
Joseph's imprisonment in Egypt (Gen 39:20-40:23) lasted years. Being 'laid in iron' reflects harsh prison conditions. Ancient imprisonment often involved literal chains and stocks.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faith when circumstances seem to contradict God's promises?
- What does Joseph's patient endurance during unjust imprisonment teach about trusting God's timing?
Analysis & Commentary
Joseph's feet were 'hurt with fetters' and he was 'laid in iron.' This describes his imprisonment's harsh reality. Yet this suffering was preparatory—the testing before exaltation. 'Hurt' (innah) suggests affliction and humiliation. Iron chains symbolize complete powerlessness. Yet God was present in Joseph's imprisonment, ultimately exalting him. Christ suffered bonds (John 18:12, 24) before His exaltation. The Reformed understanding of suffering recognizes God's sanctifying purposes in believers' trials (Rom 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).