Brief Overview of δέσμη (G1197: désmē)

Désmē (pronounced DES-may) is a Greek feminine noun that primarily means “bundle” or “faggot.” The word δέσμη is closely related to the verb δεσμέω (desméō), which means “to bind” or “to tie.” The noun δέσμη refers to a collection of items that are bound together, typically with a cord or rope. In the context of ancient literature and the New Testament, the term is often used to describe a bundle of sticks, sheaves of grain, or other similar objects.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Word: δεσμέω (desméō), meaning “to bind” or “to tie.”
• Part of Speech: Feminine noun.

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Primary Meanings:

• Bundle: The most common meaning of δέσμη is “bundle,” referring to a group of objects that are tied together, such as a bundle of sticks or sheaves of grain.
• Faggot: In older English, “faggot” referred to a bundle of sticks or twigs bound together, often used as fuel. This is another possible translation of δέσμη.

Scripture References

The exact word δέσμη does not appear in the New Testament, but related concepts of binding or bundling are present in various passages.

1. Luke 3:17: “His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

• Although δέσμη is not directly used, the concept of gathering or bundling wheat is closely related to the meaning of the word.

1. Matthew 13:30: “Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, ‘Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles (δεσμὰς, desmás) to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’”

• Transliteration: desmás (a related form of δέσμη)

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines δέσμη as “bundle” or “faggot,” focusing on its use to describe a collection of items bound together. BDAG notes that the term is often used in agricultural contexts, where bundles of grain or other crops are gathered and tied together. The lexicon also acknowledges that δέσμη can be used more generally to describe any group of items that are bound together.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon provides a similar definition, describing δέσμη as “a bundle” or “a collection of things bound together.” Thayer’s emphasizes the agricultural use of the term, particularly in reference to bundles of grain or other crops that are harvested and tied together for storage or transport.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary supports this understanding, noting that δέσμη is commonly used to describe bundles of sticks, grain, or other items that are tied together. Vine’s highlights that the term is often associated with agricultural practices, where bundling is a common method of organizing and storing crops.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a concise definition of δέσμη as “a bundle” or “a faggot,” focusing on its literal meaning and its use in agricultural contexts. The concordance notes that the term can be applied to any group of items that are bound together.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Iliad”: In the Iliad, the concept of bundling is prevalent in descriptions of soldiers gathering firewood or other supplies. The term δέσμη would be applicable in these contexts, where items are bound together for transport or use.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus describes various agricultural practices in different cultures, including the gathering and bundling of crops. The word δέσμη would be relevant in these descriptions, particularly in reference to bundles of grain or other harvested materials.
3. Xenophon’s “Anabasis”: In this work, Xenophon describes the bundling of supplies and provisions during military campaigns. The term δέσμη could be used to describe the bundles of food or equipment that soldiers carried with them.

Summary

Désmē (G1197) is a Greek feminine noun meaning “bundle” or “faggot,” derived from the verb δεσμέω (desméō), which means “to bind” or “to tie.” The word is primarily used to describe a group of items that are bound together, such as a bundle of sticks or sheaves of grain. Although δέσμη does not appear directly in the New Testament, related concepts of bundling and gathering are present in several passages. Classical Greek literature also reflects the importance of bundling in both agricultural and military contexts, highlighting the practical significance of δέσμη in ancient Greek culture. Whether in the context of gathering crops, preparing firewood, or organizing supplies, δέσμη conveys the idea of binding items together for a specific purpose.