King James Version
What Does Psalms 105:18 Mean?
“Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: he: Heb. his soul came into iron”
Context
16
Moreover he called for a famine upon the land: he brake the whole staff of bread.
17
He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold for a servant:
18
Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: he: Heb. his soul came into iron
19
Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.
20
The king sent and loosed him; even the ruler of the people, and let him go free.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(18) **He was laid in iron.**—The Prayer Book Version, “the iron entered into his soul,” has established itself so firmly among expressive proverbial sayings, that the mind almost resents the Authorised Version. The grammar of the clause does not decide its sense with certainty; for its syntax is rather in favour of the Prayer Book Version, though the feminine form of the verb makes in favour of the marginal rendering. Symmachus has, “his soul came into iron;” the LXX., “his soul passed through iron.” The Vulg., however, has the other Version, “the iron passed through his soul”—first found in the Targum. The parallelism is in favour of the Authorised Version.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Psalms. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Psalms 105:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Psalms 105:18
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge