Bit and Bridle

A set used to control a horse, with a metal bar placed in the mouth and straps or ropes fitted over the head.

Ancient bronze horse bit
Ancient bronze horse bit (© Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, Stuttgart by United Bible Societies) Bit and bridle

About Bit and Bridle

The bit was a short bar, usually made of metal, placed in the mouth of a horse. Its ends, which projected from the mouth of the animal, were attached to ropes or leather straps that fitted over the head as the bridle.

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Key References

2 Kings 19:28

Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’

Isaiah 30:28

His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He comes to sift the nations in a sieve of destruction; He bridles the jaws of the peoples to lead them astray.

James 3:3

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.

All Scripture References (8)

2 Kings (1)
2 Kings 19:28

Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’

Job (1)
Job 41:5

Can you pet him like a bird or put him on a leash for your maidens?

Psalms (1)
Psalm 32:9

Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.

Proverbs (1)
Proverbs 26:3

A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools!

Isaiah (2)
Isaiah 30:28

His breath is like a rushing torrent that rises to the neck. He comes to sift the nations in a sieve of destruction; He bridles the jaws of the peoples to lead them astray.

Isaiah 37:29

Because your rage and arrogance against Me have reached My ears, I will put My hook in your nose and My bit in your mouth; I will send you back the way you came.’

James (1)
James 3:3

When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.

Revelation (1)
Revelation 14:20

And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and the blood that flowed from it rose as high as the bridles of the horses for a distance of 1,600 stadia.