Bonds of all sorts: chains, ropes, handcuffs, traps, etc.; all have similar meaning as spiritual symbols. Generally, they indicate that you are bound to a person, idea, philosophy, religion, etc. though not necessarily in a negative way. Those of us who have made the choice to be bound in service to God do not consider it negative at all. On the negative side though, we could be bound to material possessions, our job, our family, or a church that is more a social club that a center for teaching spiritual growth. 
    Bonds can indicate one who is bound to and indebted to Satan due to an actual or implied agreement. Ropes, chains or nets may be binding us to our fate, whether that fate be positive or negative. 
    In Hindu, a rope can symbolize the sins that bind us to ignorance. In Hebrew, Jehovah uses snares and nets to catch and punish sinners. In Iranian, Ahriman, lord of lies and the power of darkness carries a snare. In many cultures, the god or lord of the dead use chains, ropes or other types of bonds to hold the dead. 
    In ancient Babylonia though, ropes and other bonds were positive; representing cosmic law and cosmic principles that unite all. 
    In dreams, ropes and chains (other than jewelry) usually represent something that is holding you back. It can also mean that you will soon be released from something that is holding you back such as an illness or ignorance.