from an unused root meaning to twine or braid together; a fetter; fetter.
Transliteration:kebel
Pronunciation:keh'-bel
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term כֶּבֶל (kebel, `{{H3525}}`) derives from an unused root, suggesting the action of "to twine or braid together." This etymological root immediately points to the concept of binding, intertwining, or fastening. Consequently, the primary and singular meaning of כֶּבֶל is a "fetter" or "shackle." It denotes a physical restraint, typically used to bind the hands or feet of a prisoner, thereby impeding movement and signifying captivity or confinement. The word strictly refers to the physical apparatus of bondage, rather than the state of bondage itself, though it is inextricably linked to it. Its semantic range is narrow, precisely denoting the tangible instruments of restraint.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term כֶּבֶל (kebel, `{{H3525}}`) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, yet each instance powerfully conveys the harsh reality of physical imprisonment and suffering.
1. **[[Psalm 105:18]]**: "His feet they hurt with fetters (כֶּבֶל); his neck was put in an iron collar." This verse describes the suffering of Joseph during his time in Egypt, specifically highlighting the physical pain and humiliation of his imprisonment. The imagery of "fetters" on his feet, coupled with the "iron" that "entered his soul" (a literal translation often interpreted as an iron collar around his neck, or the suffering deeply affecting his spirit), underscores the severe physical and emotional distress endured by one unjustly confined. Here, כֶּבֶל serves to emphasize the depth of Joseph's trial, a prelude to God's ultimate redemptive purpose for him and his family.
2. **[[Jeremiah 40:4]]**: "Now, behold, I release you today from the fetters (כֶּבֶל) that are on your hands. If it seems good to you to come with me to Babylon, come, and I will look after you. But if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, do not come. Look, the whole land is before you; go wherever you think it good and right to go." In this passage, Jeremiah, having been bound by the Babylonians, is offered freedom by Nebuzaradan, the captain of the guard. The explicit mention of being "released... from the fetters (כֶּבֶל) that are on your hands" signifies a literal act of liberation from physical bondage. This act of unbinding highlights divine providence, as Jeremiah, despite being a captive of war, is granted an unexpected measure of freedom and choice, demonstrating God's sovereign hand even amidst national catastrophe.
In both contexts, כֶּבֶל functions as a concrete noun denoting a physical object of restraint, serving to illustrate the literal conditions of imprisonment and the subsequent act of liberation.
### Related Words & Concepts
While כֶּבֶל (kebel, `{{H3525}}`) specifically refers to a physical fetter, its meaning resonates with a broader array of Hebrew terms and concepts related to bondage, imprisonment, and restraint.
* **אֵסוּר** (esur, `{{H631}}`): This noun means "bond" or "imprisonment," often referring to the general state or act of binding.
* **אָסַר** (asar, `{{H612}}`): The verb "to bind" or "to imprison," from which `{{H631}}` derives. This verb describes the action that results in the application of a כֶּבֶל.
* **סוּגַר** (sugar, `{{H5494}}`): Meaning "prison" or "confinement," often referring to the place of restraint.
* **שַׁרְשְׁרָה** (sharshrāh, `{{H7605}}`): "Chain," a related object of restraint, often more extensive than a simple fetter.
* **חָבַשׁ** (chabash, `{{H2388}}`): "To bind," "to restrain," or "to saddle," another verb indicating the act of tying or securing.
Concepts related to כֶּבֶל include:
* **Captivity (שְׁבִי, shevi)**: The state of being held captive, often by a conquering nation.
* **Bondage (עֲבֹדוּת, avodut)**: Servitude or slavery, a more enduring state of being bound.
* **Oppression (לַחַץ, lachats)**: The act of crushing or afflicting, which often accompanies physical restraint.
While כֶּבֶל is distinct in its narrow focus on the physical binding device, it contributes to the biblical vocabulary describing the manifold forms of human suffering and confinement, both literal and metaphorical.
### Theological Significance
Though limited in its occurrences, the presence of כֶּבֶל (kebel, `{{H3525}}`) in scripture carries significant theological weight, particularly in illustrating divine sovereignty, the nature of suffering, and the promise of liberation.
In the case of Joseph ([[Psalm 105:18]]), the fetters represent an extreme point of human suffering and injustice. Yet, within the broader narrative of Psalm 105, Joseph's imprisonment, including the wearing of fetters, is presented not as an arbitrary misfortune but as a divinely orchestrated part of God's redemptive plan to preserve His people. The "iron entered his soul" (or "his soul entered the iron," referring to the collar) signifies profound affliction, but it was a crucible through which God prepared Joseph for his future role as a deliverer. Thus, the כֶּבֶל becomes a symbol of suffering endured under divine permission, leading to ultimate exaltation and the fulfillment of God's purposes.
In Jeremiah's account ([[Jeremiah 40:4]]), the release from fetters underscores God's providential care for His prophet, even amidst the chaos of war and the judgment upon Judah. Jeremiah's liberation is a testament to God's ability to intervene in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty over nations and individuals. The breaking of the כֶּבֶל here symbolizes divine grace and the unexpected freedom granted by God, even through unlikely human agents (Nebuzaradan). It foreshadows the greater spiritual liberation that God offers to His people.
Metaphorically, while כֶּבֶל primarily denotes physical restraint, the concept of being "bound" extends powerfully into theological discourse. Sin, spiritual darkness, and the power of death are frequently depicted as forms of bondage from which humanity needs deliverance. The breaking of physical fetters in scripture can thus serve as a potent analogue for the spiritual liberation from the "fetters" of sin and spiritual death, ultimately achieved through the redemptive work of Christ. The God who frees His servants from literal fetters is also the God who sets the captives of sin free.
### Summary
The Hebrew word כֶּבֶל (kebel, `{{H3525}}`) precisely denotes a "fetter" or "shackle," a physical device used for binding and restraining. Its etymological root suggests the action of "twining or braiding together," emphasizing the nature of confinement. Though appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible, its occurrences are profoundly impactful: in [[Psalm 105:18]], it highlights Joseph's severe physical suffering and unjust imprisonment as part of God's redemptive plan; and in [[Jeremiah 40:4]], it signifies the literal liberation of the prophet by divine providence. Contextual analysis reveals כֶּבֶל as a concrete representation of physical captivity and the subsequent, often miraculous, act of release. Theologically, these instances underscore God's sovereignty over human suffering and His capacity to bring about liberation, both physical and, by extension, spiritual. While a literal term, כֶּבֶל contributes to the broader biblical understanding of bondage and the ultimate freedom offered by God, particularly from the spiritual "fetters" of sin and death.
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