מֶ֫תֶג (me.teg)
me.teg
bridle
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun meteg literally refers to a bridle used to restrain an animal. In the Old Testament, this concrete object serves as a vivid metaphor for divine control and authority. The word appears in only four verses, primarily within the wisdom literature of Psalms and Proverbs, where it illustrates how God directs the course of history and human affairs.
Its figurative usage emphasizes restraint rather than force. For instance, Psalm 32:9 describes God placing a bridle on people who refuse to listen, likening them to mules or horses that must be guided by bit and rein. This imagery suggests that even those who resist can be held within the boundaries of divine purpose. The term underscores the belief that ultimate authority rests with God, who manages the impulses of both beasts and humans.
Translators typically render meteg as "bridle" to preserve this specific image of control. While the word is rare, its presence in key texts highlights a consistent theological theme: God’s power to restrain and direct events. The metaphor remains effective because it connects physical limitation with spiritual sovereignty, showing how divine authority operates through guidance rather than destruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word meteg describes a bridle, a simple tool used to guide an animal. In Scripture, this image shifts from physical restraint to spiritual truth. It reminds us that God holds the reins of history and human hearts. We are not left to drift without direction, even when our own understanding feels limited.
Psalm 32:9 uses this metaphor to invite trust rather than fear. The text suggests that being guided by God is a form of care, not coercion. When we resist, His gentle correction keeps us on the path He has prepared. This sovereignty offers peace, knowing that no arrogance or rage can escape His ultimate control.
Isaiah 37:29 and II Kings 19:28 show this power in action against proud kings. Yet for the believer, the message is one of comfort. God’s authority is not arbitrary; it is purposeful. He guides us away from destruction and toward His good plans, offering stability in a chaotic world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ bridle/ my2×
- with/ bridle1×
- a bridle1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מִתְגִּ/י֙2×
- מֶ֣תֶג1×
- בְּ/מֶֽתֶג\־1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 32:9
Don’t be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.
This verse directly applies the metaphor to human behavior, urging readers to submit to God's guidance rather than acting like stubborn animals.
-
Isaiah 37:29
Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance has come up into my ears, therefore I will put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came.
Here the bridle symbolizes God’s absolute authority over arrogant leaders, demonstrating that human pride cannot override divine will.
-
II Kings 19:28
Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance has come up into my ears, therefore I will put my hook in your nose, and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came.’
This parallel passage reinforces the theme of divine restraint, showing how God controls the speech and actions of those who oppose Him.
-
Proverbs 26:3
A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!
The proverb contrasts the bridle with a rod, highlighting that external discipline is necessary for those lacking internal wisdom.