Strong’s G3976: From the root meaning “foot”; a fetter, shackle, or chain specifically for binding feet. Used literally for physical restraints and metaphorically for spiritual bondage. In NT context, appears in the dramatic account of the Gerasene demoniac, emphasizing Christ’s power to break all bonds.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πέδη specifically denotes foot shackles used for restraining prisoners or the mentally ill. In the NT, it appears in the account of the Gerasene demoniac, where broken chains symbolize Christ’s supreme authority over spiritual bondage. Early church writers saw this as representing Christ’s power to free people from both physical and spiritual imprisonment. Today, it reminds us of Christ’s power to break every form of bondage.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πέδη, pedē, [PEH-day]
• Detailed pronunciation: PEH-day (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πέδον (ground, earth)
• Related to πούς (foot)
• Indo-European root *ped- (foot)
• Forms noun for foot restraint

D – Defining Meanings

• Foot shackle
• Ankle chain
• Fetter
• Restraining device

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• Shackles – Emphasizing restraint function
• Fetters – Traditional translation
• Foot chains – Most specific meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἅλυσις [halysis, HA-loo-sis] – chain in general
• δεσμός [desmos, des-MOS] – bond or tie
• σειρά [seira, say-RAH] – rope or cord

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• First Declension
• Feminine Gender
• Nominative Singular: πέδη
• Genitive: πέδης
• Dative: πέδῃ
• Accusative: πέδην
• Cross-references: πεδάω (to bind with fetters)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific use for foot restraint. Thayer’s notes its distinction from other bonds. LSJ traces its use in legal contexts. Vine’s highlights its symbolic significance. Moulton and Milligan document its use in prison records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Because he had often been bound with shackles [πέδη] and chains, and the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles [πέδη] broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him.” (Mark 5:4)

Additional References:
Luke 8:29

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πέδη reminds us that no bondage is too strong for Christ to break. The Gerasene demoniac’s story shows Jesus’s authority over all forms of imprisonment – physical, mental, or spiritual. This encourages believers that Christ’s power can free them from any chain that binds.

D – Did You Know?

1. Different from hand chains in ancient prison systems
2. Often used metaphorically in Greek philosophy for moral restraint
3. Became symbol of spiritual liberation in early Christian art

Strong’s G3976: From the root meaning “foot”; a fetter, shackle, or chain specifically for binding feet. Used literally for physical restraints and metaphorically for spiritual bondage. In NT context, appears in the dramatic account of the Gerasene demoniac, emphasizing Christ’s power to break all bonds.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #Bondage #Deliverance #Chains #Imprisonment #Demoniac #Freedom #SpiritualWarfare #ChristPower #Healing #Liberation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​