Bible Dictionaries
Bit

Holman Bible Dictionary

The metal bar fastened to the muzzle end of the horse's bridle. The bit is inserted in the horse's mouth between the teeth and is used to control the horse. The bit had loops on either end for attaching the reins. Some bits from the biblical period have spikes which would have stuck in the side of the horse's mouth when the reins were applied; the pain made the horse more responsive to the rider's commands. The bit and bridle were used figuratively in the Bible to refer to different forms of control (James 1:26; James 3:2; see 2 Kings 19:28; Isaiah 37:29 ).