Psalms 105:18 (KJV)

What does Psalms 105:18 mean?

Psalms 105:18 describes how Joseph, after being sold by his brothers, suffered in Egypt: his feet were wounded by shackles and he was bound in iron. The verse highlights the physical pain and harsh treatment Joseph endured while imprisoned.

This verse is part of a psalm recounting Israel’s history, with the psalmist reminding the people of God’s faithfulness through their ancestors’ struggles. Here, the focus is on Joseph’s suffering before his rise to power, showing the depth of his hardship as part of God’s larger plan.

The Hebrew behind Psalms 105:18

• feet (רֶגֶל, regel): The word refers to Joseph’s actual feet, emphasizing the personal and physical nature of his suffering, not just a general hardship.
• hurt (עָנָה, ‘anah): This word often means to be afflicted or humbled, suggesting that Joseph’s pain was not only physical but also a form of deep humiliation.
• fetters (בַּכֶּבֶל, bakkevel): This term points to shackles or chains, specifically those used for prisoners, underlining the severity of Joseph’s imprisonment.
• iron (בַּרְזֶל, barzel): The word for iron highlights the harshness and inescapability of Joseph’s bonds, as iron was known for its strength and durability.

Why Psalms 105:18 matters

• This verse clarifies that Joseph’s suffering was not just emotional or spiritual but involved real, physical pain and humiliation.
• The detail about iron fetters connects Joseph’s story to the broader theme of God’s people enduring hardship before deliverance, which is a recurring message in Psalms 105.
• By focusing on Joseph’s suffering, the psalmist sets up the dramatic reversal that follows in the narrative, emphasizing God’s power to rescue and elevate the humble.