BIT, BRIDLE.The Hebrews were doubtless well acquainted with the bit, but there is no clear mention of it as distinct from the bridle, the words for which in Gr. and Lat. include bit, headstall, and reins. In Jam_3:3 the context is decisive for bridle (RV [Note: Revised Version.] and AV [Note: Authorized Version.] bit); in Psa_32:9 for bit and bridle we should probably render bridle and halter, and so in the other passages where the two Hebrew words respectively occur, e.g. bridle, Pro_26:3, but halter, Job_30:11.
In Psa_39:1 bridle should certainly be muzzle (cf. the corresponding verb in Deu_25:4). The crocodiles double bridle (Job_41:13) is his jaws, but the text is doubtful.
A. R. S. Kennedy.
Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible
Edited by James Hastings, D.D. Published in 1909