In biblical times, the concept of a "leash" as we understand it today—typically a cord or strap used to control animals—does not appear explicitly in the Scriptures. However, the idea of controlling or guiding animals is present in various forms throughout the Bible. The closest related terms and concepts can be found in the use of bridles, yokes, and other means of directing animals, particularly in agricultural and pastoral contexts.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Bridles and Bits: The Bible frequently uses the imagery of bridles and bits to describe control over animals, particularly horses. In James 3:3 , it states, "When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal." This metaphor is used to illustrate the power of small things to control larger entities, such as the tongue's power over the body.

2. Yokes: The yoke is another tool used for controlling animals, especially oxen, in plowing fields. It symbolizes submission and service. In Matthew 11:29-30 , Jesus invites believers to take His yoke upon them, saying, "Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

3. Shepherding: The role of a shepherd in guiding and controlling sheep is a prevalent theme in the Bible. Psalm 23:1-2 illustrates this, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters." The shepherd's staff and rod serve as tools for guidance and protection, akin to a leash's purpose.

4. Symbolism of Control and Guidance: The concept of control and guidance extends beyond animals to human behavior and spiritual life. Proverbs 3:5-6 advises, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." This passage emphasizes divine guidance over personal autonomy.

Theological Implications

The use of tools for control and guidance in the Bible often serves as a metaphor for spiritual truths. Just as a leash or bridle directs an animal, God's Word and His Spirit guide believers in their daily walk. The imagery underscores the importance of submission to divine authority and the benefits of being led by God's wisdom and love.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, the biblical principles surrounding control and guidance can be applied to personal discipline and spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to submit to God's leading, much like an animal submits to its handler. This submission is not burdensome but rather a source of freedom and peace, as it aligns one's life with God's perfect will.

While the specific term "leash" is not found in the Bible, the underlying principles of guidance, control, and submission are woven throughout Scripture, offering rich insights into the relationship between God and His people.1. (n.) A thong of leather, or a long cord, by which a falconer holds his hawk, or a courser his dog.

2. (n.) A brace and a half; a tierce; three; three creatures of any kind, especially greyhounds, foxes, bucks, and hares; hence, the number three in general.

3. (n.) A string with a loop at the end for lifting warp threads, in a loom.

4. (v. t.) To tie together, or hold, with a leash.

The Sacrifice of the Body
... like the chains on the demoniac's wrists"'And he had oftentimes been bound by chains,
and the chains were snapped asunder.' But the silken leash with which ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the sacrifice of the body.htm

The Exile --Continued.
... Abigail, whose graceful presence and "most subtle flow of silver-paced counsel"
soothed David's ruffled spirit, and led him captive at once as in a silken leash ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/viii the exilecontinued.htm

Vergilius had Thought Wisely of his Temptation. ...
... temptation. Fate rules them only who are too weak to rule themselves, and
the great leash of fate is the power of evil women. It ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 17 vergilius had thought.htm

Achamoth in Love with the Angels a Protest against the Lascivious ...
... She at length gave birth to an offspring, and then there arose a leash of natures,
[6798] from a triad of causes,"one material, arising from her passion ...
/.../tertullian/against the valentinians/chapter xvii achamoth in love with.htm

Righteous Hatred
... The whole of that passion which, when let loose in a wrong track, becomes as a fierce
lion on its prey, thou mayest keep in leash, (like a noble lion, only ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/righteous hatred.htm

The Emperor and Empress
... BOOK II CHAPTER XVIII THE EMPEROR AND EMPRESS. He hath two greyhounds in a leash,
Terror and Force; two slaves that serve his will,. Pleasure and Pomp. ...
/.../chapter xviii the emperor and.htm

Of Four Degrees of Christian Men's Living; and of the Course of ...
... And therefore He kindled thy desire full graciously, and fastened by it a leash
of longing, and led thee by it into a more special state and form of living, to ...
/.../anonymous/the cloud of unknowing/here beginneth the first chapter.htm

How Love is Practised in Hope.
... And as the unhooded falcon having her prey in view suddenly launches herself upon
the wing, and if held in her leash struggles upon the hand with extreme ardour ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xvi how love is.htm

Chastisement
... Evils always hunt in couples; sins always go in a leash. It is a marvellous thing
that there are always to be found two evils, side by side. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/chastisement.htm

Glad Givers and Faithful Workers
... Eager zeal has in all ages to be yoked to torpid indifference, and to drag
its unwilling companion along, like two dogs in a leash. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/glad givers and faithful workers.htm

Leash (1 Occurrence)
... 3. (n.) A string with a loop at the end for lifting warp threads, in a loom. 4.
(vt) To tie together, or hold, with a leash. ...Leash (1 Occurrence). ...
/l/leash.htm - 7k

Unleash (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (vt) To free from a leash, or as from a leash; to let
go; to release; as, to unleash dogs. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/u/unleash.htm - 7k

Leasing (2 Occurrences)

/l/leasing.htm - 8k

Lees (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) Plural of Lee. 2. (n. pl.) Dregs. See Lee. 3.
(n.) A leash. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LEES. lez. See WINE. ...
/l/lees.htm - 8k

Lime (4 Occurrences)
... mountains of Syria. Noah Webster's Dictionary. 1. (n.) A thong by which a dog
is led; a leash. 2. (n.) The linden tree. See Linden. 3. (n ...
/l/lime.htm - 11k

Lash (2 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) The thong or braided cord of a whip, with which the blow is given. 2. (n.)
A leash in which an animal is caught or held; hence, a snare. ...
/l/lash.htm - 8k

Leased (3 Occurrences)

/l/leased.htm - 7k

Slip (22 Occurrences)
... 16. (n.) A leash or string by which a dog is held; -- so called from its being made
in such a manner as to slip, or become loose, by relaxation of the hand. ...
/s/slip.htm - 16k

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