Chains in the Bible symbolize both bondage and liberation through Christ. Today, we’ll reflect on what Scripture says about breaking free from physical and spiritual chains.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Escape
What Does The Bible Say About Chains
Psalm 107:14
“He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their chains in pieces.”
This verse speaks of God’s deliverance and power to break the chains that bind us. It reminds us that God can free us from any form of bondage or captivity, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. He is our rescuer and liberator.
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.”
This verse foreshadows the mission of Jesus Christ, who came to set the captives free. It highlights God’s heart for those who are bound by chains of sin, captivity, and despair. Jesus offers hope, healing, and freedom to all who turn to Him.
Acts 16:26
“Suddenly there was a great earthquake so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened.”
This verse depicts a powerful moment when God intervened and broke the physical chains of Paul and Silas while they were imprisoned. It serves as a reminder that God has the ability to shake the foundations of our circumstances and release us from any form of bondage.
Galatians 5:1
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
This verse emphasizes that through Christ, we have been set free from the chains of sin and legalism. It encourages us to live in the freedom that God has given us and not to allow ourselves to be entangled once again in the bondage of old ways or false teachings.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
This verse reminds us that fear can act as chains, holding us back from experiencing the fullness of God’s plan for our lives. Through His Spirit, God empowers us to break free from fear, embracing His love and approaching life with a sound and confident mind.
Psalm 68:6
“God settles the solitary in a home; he leads out the prisoners to prosperity, but the rebellious dwell in a parched land.”
This verse illustrates God’s desire to free those who are imprisoned, both physically and spiritually. He is the one who provides a place of belonging and prosperity for the captives He sets free, while those who resist His grace remain in a state of spiritual drought.
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.”
In this verse, Jesus declares His mission to bring freedom to those who are held captive by sin, darkness, and oppression. He offers healing and restoration to the broken and enslaved, inviting them into a life of liberty and wholeness.
Psalm 34:17
“When the righteous cry out for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.”
This verse assures us that when we find ourselves in chains of distress or difficulty, the Lord hears our cries and comes to deliver us. He is attentive to the pleas of His people and will work on our behalf to set us free from whatever entangles us.
Isaiah 42:7
“To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.”
These words foreshadow the coming of Jesus, who brings light and freedom to those who are blind and imprisoned in darkness. He offers a way out of spiritual captivity, leading us into the glorious light of His truth and salvation.
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
This powerful statement from Jesus affirms that true freedom can only be found in Him. When we place our trust in Him and surrender our lives, He graciously breaks the chains of sin, granting us the freedom to live in intimate relationship with Him.
Hebrews 2:14-15
“Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.”
These verses speak of the redemptive work of Jesus, who came to destroy the power of death and deliver us from the fear and bondage associated with it. Through His sacrifice, He provides an eternal escape from the chains of death and offers us life everlasting.
Psalm 146:7
“Who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord sets the prisoners free.”
This verse reminds us that God is a defender of the oppressed and a provider for those in need. He not only cares for physical hunger and lack but also sets the prisoners free, bringing release and justice to those who are captive.
Romans 6:18
“And, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.”
Through our union with Christ, we have been set free from the power and dominion of sin. As recipients of His grace, we are now empowered to live as slaves of righteousness, allowing His Spirit to guide us into a life marked by holiness and obedience.
Psalm 25:15
“My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.”
In times of entanglement or ensnarement, we can turn our gaze towards the Lord, knowing that He will rescue us from the traps that hinder us. Trusting in His faithfulness, we can find deliverance from the chains that seek to ensnare our steps.
Colossians 1:13-14
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
This verse declares the profound truth that, through Christ’s redemptive work, we have been rescued from the power of darkness and brought into His glorious kingdom. We have been redeemed and forgiven, set free from the chains of sin and condemnation.
John 8:32
“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
When we embrace the truth of God’s Word and the person of Jesus Christ, we experience a spiritual liberation that sets us free. The truth of His love, grace, and salvation releases us from the bondage of lies, deception, and spiritual captivity.
Romans 8:2
“For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Through our union with Christ, we have been liberated from the grip of sin and its consequences. The power of the Holy Spirit enables us to live victoriously, no longer bound by the law of sin and death but walking in the freedom and life found in Jesus.
Psalm 107:20
“He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction.”
This verse attests to the healing power of God’s Word. It affirms that His Word has the ability to bring restorative healing and deliverance from the destructive forces that seek to keep us bound. In His Word, we find the keys to freedom and wholeness.
Acts 12:7
“And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And the chains fell off his hands.”
This verse recounts the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison by an angel sent by God. It demonstrates God’s power to supernaturally break chains and set His people free, even in the most impossible and dire circumstances.
John 8:34-36
“Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.’”
This passage highlights the truth that apart from Christ, we are enslaved to sin. But through His redemptive work, we can be set free from the bondage and consequences of sin. Once set free by Him, we experience true and lasting freedom.
Proverbs 5:22
“The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords of his sin.”
This verse speaks of the entanglement and captivity that sin brings into a person’s life. It warns of the destructive nature of sin when left unchecked, as it forms chains that hold us fast. However, there is hope in Christ for those who long to be free from the bondage of sin.
Isaiah 45:2
“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron.”
In this verse, God assures His people of His power to break through any barrier or stronghold that holds them captive. Just as He can break bronze doors and iron bars, nothing is too difficult for Him to overcome. He leads the way to freedom.
1 John 3:8
“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.”
These words remind us that the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation was to destroy the works of the devil, including the chains of sin that bind humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He has the power to break the cycle of sin and bring deliverance to all who believe in Him.
Matthew 11:28-30
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Jesus extends an invitation to those who are burdened and wearied by life’s struggles. He offers rest and relief from the weight of sin, guilt, and striving. In surrendering to Him, we find the freedom and peace our souls long for.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
This verse assures us that God has good plans for His children. It reminds us that as we trust in Him and surrender to His will, He can break the chains of fear and uncertainty, leading us into a future filled with hope and purpose.
Romans 8:15
“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’”
In Christ, we have been freed from the spirit of fear and the bondage it brings. We have been adopted as sons and daughters into God’s family, experiencing the love, security, and intimacy of being His children. No longer slaves, we can confidently approach Him as our loving Father.
Zechariah 9:11
“As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.”
Through the blood of Jesus, a new covenant was established, releasing us from the spiritual pit of sin and death. His sacrifice grants us freedom from the power and consequences of sin, enabling us to walk in newness of life and experience the blessings of God’s covenant.