Brief Overview of δεσμέω (G1196: desméō)

Desméō (pronounced des-MEH-o) is a Greek verb that means “to bind,” “to tie,” or “to fasten.” The verb δεσμέω is closely related to the noun δεσμός (desmós), meaning “bond” or “chain,” and is often used in contexts where physical restraint or confinement is involved. This verb is used to describe the act of binding someone or something with ropes, chains, or other means of securing. In broader contexts, δεσμέω can also carry metaphorical implications, such as binding someone to a promise, obligation, or agreement.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: δεσμός (desmós), meaning “bond” or “chain.”
• Part of Speech: Verb.

Primary Meanings:

• To Bind: The most common meaning of δεσμέω is “to bind” or “to tie up.” This could refer to physically securing a person or object with ropes, chains, or other binding materials.
• To Fasten: The verb is also used in the sense of fastening something securely, such as closing or sealing something tightly.
• To Obligate: In a metaphorical sense, δεσμέω can imply placing someone under an obligation, binding them to a certain duty or commitment.

Scripture References

1. Luke 8:29: “For He had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For it had seized him many times; and he was bound (δεδεμένος, dedeménos) with chains and shackles and kept under guard, and yet he would break his bonds and be driven by the demon into the desert.”

• Transliteration: dedeménos (perfect participle of δεσμέω)

1. Mark 5:4: “For he had often been bound (δεδέσθαι, dedésthai) with shackles and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces, and no one was strong enough to subdue him.”

• Transliteration: dedésthai (perfect infinitive of δεσμέω)

1. Acts 12:6: “The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound (δεδεμένος, dedeménos) with two chains, and sentries stood guard at the entrance.”

• Transliteration: dedeménos (perfect participle of δεσμέω)

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Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines δεσμέω as “to bind” or “to tie,” with an emphasis on physical restraint. BDAG highlights that the verb is often used in contexts involving imprisonment, where individuals are physically bound with chains or ropes. The lexicon also acknowledges the metaphorical use of δεσμέω, where the term can refer to binding someone to a commitment or obligation.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon provides a similar definition, emphasizing the physical aspect of binding, particularly in the context of securing or imprisoning someone. Thayer’s also discusses the broader, figurative use of the term, where δεσμέω can imply binding in a legal or moral sense.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary further supports this understanding, noting that δεσμέω is commonly used to describe the act of binding or tying up individuals, often in situations where they are being restrained or confined. Vine’s also points out that the term can extend to binding someone to an obligation or agreement, making it relevant in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a straightforward definition of δεσμέω as “to bind” or “to tie,” focusing on its application in physical restraint or securing items. The concordance highlights the verb’s use in describing the binding of prisoners or captives.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: In the Iliad, the concept of binding is prevalent in descriptions of warriors being restrained or captured. The verb δεσμέω would be applicable in these contexts, where individuals are physically bound or tied.
2. Sophocles’ “Antigone”: In this tragedy, the idea of binding is extended metaphorically to the concept of being bound by duty or fate. The term δεσμέω could be used to describe the binding obligations that characters face.
3. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus frequently describes the capture and binding of prisoners during wars. The verb δεσμέω is appropriate for these narratives, where physical restraint is a common theme.

Summary

Desméō (G1196) is a Greek verb meaning “to bind,” “to tie,” or “to fasten.” It is derived from the noun δεσμός (desmós), meaning “bond” or “chain,” and is used primarily in contexts involving physical restraint, such as binding someone with ropes or chains. The verb is also employed in a metaphorical sense to describe binding someone to a commitment, obligation, or agreement. In the New Testament, δεσμέω appears in passages where individuals are physically bound, such as prisoners or captives. Classical Greek literature further emphasizes the significance of δεσμέω, using it to describe physical restraint, as well as metaphorical binding related to duty or fate. This verb plays a crucial role in understanding concepts of confinement, obligation, and restraint in both ancient Greek culture and the New Testament.