Brief Overview of δέσμιος (G1198: désmios)

Désmios (pronounced DES-mee-os) is a Greek masculine noun that means “prisoner” or “one who is bound.” The word δέσμιος is derived from the root δεσμός (desmós), which means “bond” or “chain.” This indicates that a δέσμιος is someone who is literally bound with chains or other restraints, typically in the context of imprisonment. The term is used throughout the New Testament to refer to individuals who are physically restrained or held in custody.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

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

Primary Meanings:

• Prisoner: The most common meaning of δέσμιος is “prisoner,” referring to someone who is held in custody, usually bound with chains or other restraints.
• One Who is Bound: In a broader sense, δέσμιος can refer to anyone who is physically bound or restrained, whether in a prison context or not.

Scripture References

1. Acts 16:25: “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners (δέσμιοι, désmioi) were listening to them.”

• Transliteration: désmioi

1. Ephesians 3:1: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner (δέσμιος, désmios) of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—”

• Transliteration: désmios

1. 2 Timothy 1:8: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner (δέσμιος, désmios), but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.”

• Transliteration: désmios

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Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines δέσμιος as “one who is bound,” particularly in the sense of being a prisoner. BDAG emphasizes that the term is used in contexts where individuals are physically restrained, often in chains or other forms of confinement. The lexicon highlights the metaphorical use of δέσμιος in some passages, where the term refers to being bound to Christ or the gospel, as seen in Paul’s writings.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly describes δέσμιος as “a prisoner,” focusing on the literal meaning of someone who is bound or held captive. Thayer’s notes that the term is used both literally and figuratively in the New Testament, often in the context of those who are imprisoned for their faith or ministry.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary supports this understanding, noting that δέσμιος is primarily used to describe prisoners, particularly those who are bound with chains or other restraints. Vine’s also points out that the term is often applied metaphorically in the New Testament, especially in Paul’s letters, where he refers to himself as a prisoner of Christ.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a straightforward definition of δέσμιος as “prisoner” or “one who is bound,” highlighting its use in contexts of physical restraint or imprisonment. The concordance emphasizes the term’s literal application to those who are held captive, whether by civil authorities or in a spiritual sense.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: In the Iliad, the concept of being bound or held captive is prevalent in descriptions of prisoners of war. The term δέσμιος would be applicable to those who are captured and held as prisoners by the opposing forces.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus often describes the capture and imprisonment of individuals during conflicts. Δέσμιος would be used to refer to those who are taken as prisoners and held in chains or other forms of restraint.
3. Plato’s “Republic”: Plato discusses the idea of being bound or constrained, both physically and metaphorically, in his exploration of justice and the human condition. The term δέσμιος could be used to describe those who are metaphorically imprisoned by ignorance or false beliefs.

Summary

Désmios (G1198) is a Greek masculine noun meaning “prisoner” or “one who is bound.” Derived from the root δεσμός (desmós), meaning “bond” or “chain,” the term is used in the New Testament to describe individuals who are physically restrained or held in custody. Désmios is often associated with literal imprisonment, where individuals are bound with chains or other restraints. However, the term also carries metaphorical implications, particularly in the writings of Paul, where he describes himself as a “prisoner of Christ.” Classical Greek literature further reinforces the concept of δέσμιος as someone who is held captive, whether in a literal or figurative sense, making it a significant term in both ancient Greek culture and the New Testament.