Psalms 107:16
Psalms 107:16 in Multiple Translations
For He has broken down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
For he hath broken the gates of brass, And cut the bars of iron in sunder.
The doors of brass are broken by his arm, and the bands of iron are cut in two.
For he breaks down the bronze doors, and cuts through the iron bars.
For hee hath broken the gates of brasse, and brast the barres of yron asunder.
For He hath broken doors of brass, And bars of iron He hath cut.
For he has broken the gates of bronze, and cut through bars of iron.
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron asunder.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 107:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 107:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
שִׁ֭בַּר
דַּלְת֣וֹת
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
וּ/בְרִיחֵ֖י
בַרְזֶ֣ל
גִּדֵּֽעַ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שִׁ֭בַּר
shâbar
H7665
to break
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
דַּלְת֣וֹת
deleth
H1817
door
N-fp
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
bronze
N-fs
וּ/בְרִיחֵ֖י
bᵉrîyach
H1280
bar
Conj | N-mp
בַרְזֶ֣ל
barzel
H1270
iron
N-ms
גִּדֵּֽעַ
gâdaʻ
H1438
to cut down/off
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 107:16
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שִׁ֭בַּר
shâbar
H7665
"to break"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This word means to break or shatter something, either physically or emotionally. It can also mean to burst or rupture, and is often used to describe intense violence or destruction. In the Bible, it's translated as break or crush.
Definition: 1) to break, break in pieces 1a) (Qal) 1a1) break, break in or down, rend violently, wreck, crush, quench 1a2) to break, rupture (fig) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be broken, be maimed, be crippled, be wrecked 1b2) to be broken, be crushed (fig) 1c) (Piel) to shatter, break 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to break out, bring to the birth 1e) (Hophal) to be broken, be shattered Aramaic equivalent: te.var (תְּבַר "to break" H8406)
Usage: Occurs in 143 OT verses. KJV: break (down, off, in pieces, up), broken (-hearted), bring to the birth, crush, destroy, hurt, quench, [idiom] quite, tear, view (by mistake for H7663 (שָׂבַר)). See also: Genesis 19:9; Isaiah 27:11; Psalms 3:8.
דַּלְת֣וֹת
deleth
H1817
"door"
N-fp
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
נְחֹ֑שֶׁת
nᵉchôsheth
H5178
"bronze"
N-fs
This Hebrew word refers to copper or something made of it, like a coin or chain. It can also symbolize something base or impure, as in lust or filthiness. It appears in various KJV translations, including brasen and brass.
Definition: 1) copper, bronze 1a) copper (ore), bronze (as copper alloy) 1b) fetters (of copper or bronze) 1c) copper (as value)
Usage: Occurs in 119 OT verses. KJV: brasen, brass, chain, copper, fetter (of brass), filthiness, steel. See also: Genesis 4:22; 1 Kings 7:38; Psalms 107:16.
וּ/בְרִיחֵ֖י
bᵉrîyach
H1280
"bar"
Conj | N-mp
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
בַרְזֶ֣ל
barzel
H1270
"iron"
N-ms
Iron refers to a strong metal used for tools and furniture, symbolizing strength or harshness, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of iron implements.
Definition: 1) iron 1a) iron 1a1) iron ore 1a2) as material of furniture, utensils, implements 2) tool of iron 3) harshness, strength, oppression (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: par.zel (פַּרְזֶל "iron" H6523)
Usage: Occurs in 70 OT verses. KJV: (ax) head, iron. See also: Genesis 4:22; 2 Chronicles 2:6; Psalms 2:9.
גִּדֵּֽעַ
gâdaʻ
H1438
"to cut down/off"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to cut down or destroy something, like a tree. It is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to cut, hew, chop, cut down, hew down, hew off, cut off, cut in two, shave off 1a) (Qal) to hew, chop in two 1b) (Niphal) to be chopped off, be hewn off 1c) (Piel) to cut off or down in two, hew off or down in two 1d) (Pual) to chop down, hew down
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: cut (asunder, in sunder, down, off), hew down. See also: Deuteronomy 7:5; Isaiah 10:33; Psalms 75:11.
Study Notes — Psalms 107:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 107:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 107:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 107:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 107:16
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 107:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
- Sermons on Psalms 107:16
Context — Thanksgiving for Deliverance
14He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke away their chains.
15Let them give thanks to the LORD for His loving devotion and His wonders to the sons of men.
16For He has broken down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.
17Fools, in their rebellious ways, and through their iniquities, suffered affliction. 18They loathed all food and drew near to the gates of death.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 45:1–2 | This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut: “I will go before you and level the mountains; I will break down the gates of bronze and cut through the bars of iron. |
| 2 | Judges 16:3 | But Samson lay there only until midnight, when he got up, took hold of the doors of the city gate and both gateposts, and pulled them out, bar and all. Then he put them on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain overlooking Hebron. |
| 3 | Micah 2:13 | One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader. |
Psalms 107:16 Summary
Psalms 107:16 tells us that God is powerful enough to break down any obstacle that stands in our way. The 'gates of bronze' and 'bars of iron' represent the strongholds of captivity, and God's action of breaking them down signifies His deliverance and rescue. Just like God broke away the chains of His people in Psalms 107:14, He can also break down the gates and bars that hinder us, as seen in Isaiah 45:2. We can trust God to deliver us from any form of bondage, and give thanks to Him for His loving devotion, as encouraged in Psalms 107:15.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of gates and bars is the Psalmist referring to in Psalms 107:16?
The gates of bronze and bars of iron likely symbolize the strongholds of captivity, whether physical or spiritual, as seen in Isaiah 45:2, where God promises to break down doors of bronze and cut through bars of iron for His people.
How does God break down gates and cut through bars according to Psalms 107:16?
The verse emphasizes God's powerful deliverance, where He breaks down the gates of bronze and cuts through the bars of iron, demonstrating His ability to rescue His people from any form of bondage, as also seen in Psalms 107:14, where He breaks away their chains.
What is the significance of the image of gates and bars in the context of Psalms 107:16?
The image of gates and bars represents the obstacles that stand between God's people and their freedom, and God's action of breaking them down signifies His power to overcome any obstacle, as stated in Jeremiah 32:27, where God declares that nothing is too difficult for Him.
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is our Deliverer, and He can break down any stronghold or barrier that hinders us, whether it be a physical, emotional, or spiritual challenge, as encouraged in Philippians 4:13, where we are reminded that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'gates of bronze' and 'bars of iron' that you need God to break down in your life today?
- How has God delivered you from bondage or captivity in the past, and how can you give thanks to Him for His loving devotion?
- What are the strongholds in your life that you feel are too strong for God to break, and how can you apply the promise of Psalms 107:16 to those areas?
- In what ways can you trust God to break down the gates and cut through the bars that are hindering your spiritual growth or relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 107:16
For he hath broken the gates of brass,.... The prison doors made of brass, as sometimes of iron, for the security of the prisoners; see Acts 12:10. And cut the bars of iron in sunder; with which they were barred and secured.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 107:16
For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
He restored them to liberty in spite of all impediments and oppositions.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
Psalms 107:16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.Ver. 16. For he hath broken the gates of brass] If Samson could do so, how much more the Almighty, whom nothing can withstand! Nature may be stopped in her course, as when the fire burned not. Men may not be able to do as they would. Angels, good or bad, may be hindered, because in them there is an essence and an executive power, between which God can step at his pleasure, and interpose his veto; but who or what shall hinder the Most High?
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
(16) Isaiah 45:2 was present to the poet’s mind. Virgil’s picture of the shrine of war (Æn. vii. 607) has been compared to this.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
Verse 16. For he hath broken] This is the reason given for thanks to God for his deliverance of the captives. It was not a simple deliverance; it was done so as to manifest the irresistible power of God. He tore the prison in pieces, and cut the bars of iron asunder.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 107:16
16. The prophecy of Isa 45:2 has been fulfilled. The land of exile was represented as a vast and strong fortress-prison.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 107:16
For he hath broken the gates of brass - The immediate “reason” here given for praising the Lord is that he had “broken the gates of brass,” continuing the thought from Psalms 107:10-14.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 107:16
16. Gates of brass—The allusion is to Isaiah 45:2, where the subject is the taking of Babylon, at which time the strategy of Cyrus, prince of Persia, and commander of the Median and Persian army,
Sermons on Psalms 107:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Mercy of God by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Psalm 107 and emphasizes the enduring mercy of God. He highlights how God's mercy is shown to those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, and lo |
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The Methods of the Holy Ghost by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the work of the Holy Spirit in gathering and saving God's people. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is sovereign and cannot be controlled or |
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Battling With God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power and sovereignty of God in the context of the Babylonian captivity of Israel. He emphasizes that even though Babylon was immensely p |
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(Through the Bible) Ezra by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker talks about a man who had been bragging to the king about the power and greatness of God. As a result, the king gave him a lot of gold and silver, but n |
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The Sovereignty of God as to the House of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a genuine and heartfelt relationship with God. He highlights how the prophets in the Bible, such as Hosea and Ezekie |
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Progress of Redemption #04 by David Shirley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the word of God and how it can change people's lives. The sermon takes place in Judea, a Persian province, around 430 BC. T |
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Our Daily Homily - Ezra by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the divine stirring of Cyrus as a fulfillment of prophecy, highlighting the importance of prayer and obedience in responding to God's call. He reflects on the |