King James Version

What Does Psalms 107:16 Mean?

Psalms 107:16 in the King James Version says “For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.” — study this verse from Psalms chapter 107 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.”

Psalms 107:16 · KJV

Context

14

He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.

15

Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!

16

For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.

17

Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.

18

Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. This verse celebrates God's powerful deliverance of His people from seemingly impossible captivity. The imagery of "gates of brass" and "bars of iron" represents the strongest, most formidable obstacles—literal prison doors or metaphorical barriers to freedom. Ancient Near Eastern fortifications used bronze (brass) and iron for maximum security, making them humanly insurmountable.

The Hebrew verb "broken" (shibar, שִׁבַּר) means shattered or destroyed completely, while "cut in sunder" (gada, גָּדַע) means hewn down or chopped through. These violent, definitive verbs emphasize God's irresistible power to demolish every barrier that enslaves His people. The verse likely references literal deliverance from Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 45:2 prophesies similarly of Cyrus's conquest of Babylon), but the imagery transcends any single historical event.

Theologically, this verse proclaims that no power—political, spiritual, or circumstantial—can permanently confine those whom God purposes to liberate. The New Testament applies this truth to Christ's redemptive work: He "led captivity captive" (Ephesians 4:8), broke sin's dominion, shattered death's power (Hebrews 2:14-15), and liberated believers from bondage to the law, sin, and spiritual darkness. Christians find here assurance that God's deliverance is comprehensive and certain—He breaks every chain that binds.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 107 is a post-exilic thanksgiving psalm celebrating Israel's return from Babylonian captivity (circa 538 BCE onward). The historical context involves the miraculous fall of Babylon to Cyrus the Persian, who issued a decree allowing Jewish exiles to return and rebuild Jerusalem. What seemed politically impossible—the collapse of the mighty Babylonian Empire and the release of captive peoples—God accomplished sovereignly.

The psalm's structure presents four scenarios of distress and deliverance (wilderness wandering, imprisonment, illness, and storm at sea), with this verse appearing in the second scenario about prisoners. Many Jews had literally experienced imprisonment and forced labor in Babylon. The massive bronze gates and iron-barred doors of Babylonian structures were legendary, yet God opened them through Cyrus's conquest.

For post-exilic Israel, this verse became a testimony of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Despite seventy years in exile, God had not forgotten His people. The return from Babylon became the paradigm of divine redemption, anticipating the greater exodus Christ would accomplish through His death and resurrection (Luke 9:31). This historical deliverance thus points forward to ultimate spiritual liberation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What "gates of brass" and "bars of iron" represent seemingly impossible obstacles in your current circumstances that require God's liberating power?
  2. How does confidence in God's ability to shatter every barrier shape the way you pray and approach impossible situations?
  3. In what ways does Christ's redemptive work break spiritual strongholds more formidable than any physical prison?
  4. How can this verse encourage believers facing political oppression, spiritual bondage, or overwhelming personal circumstances?
  5. What does this psalm teach about appropriate responses to God's deliverance—personal testimony, corporate worship, thanksgiving?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּֽי1 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

שִׁ֭בַּר2 of 7

“For he hath broken”

H7665

to burst (literally or figuratively)

דַּלְת֣וֹת3 of 7

“the gates”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

נְחֹ֑שֶׁת4 of 7

“of brass”

H5178

copper, hence, something made of that metal, i.e., coin, a fetter; figuratively, base (as compared with gold or silver)

וּבְרִיחֵ֖י5 of 7

“the bars”

H1280

a bolt

בַרְזֶ֣ל6 of 7

“of iron”

H1270

iron (as cutting); by extension, an iron implement

גִּדֵּֽעַ׃7 of 7

“and cut”

H1438

to fell a tree; generally, to destroy anything

Study Guide

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 107:16 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 107:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 45:1-2Judges 16:3Micah 2:13

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