Damazō (pronounced da-MAH-zo, δαμάζω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1150. The root of Damazō is believed to be connected with the concept of taming or subduing. The word conveys the idea of bringing something under control, often through force or discipline. It can apply to both animals and humans, suggesting a sense of domination or mastery over something wild or uncontrolled.

The primary meanings of Damazō include “to tame,” “to subdue,” and “to bring under control.” The term can be used in various contexts, ranging from the literal act of taming wild animals to the metaphorical subjugation of emotions, desires, or even people. In biblical usage, Damazō can refer to the taming or controlling of the tongue, passions, or other aspects of human behavior, highlighting the need for discipline and mastery in one’s life.

Scripture References

1. Mark 5:4: “For he had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he wrenched the chains apart, and he broke the shackles in pieces. No one had the strength to subdue (δαμάσαι, damasai) him.” This verse describes the uncontrollable strength of the demon-possessed man, emphasizing the inability of others to tame or subdue him.
2. James 3:7: “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed (δαμάζεται, damazetai) and has been tamed (δεδάμασται, dedamastai) by mankind.” Here, James uses Damazō to discuss the human ability to tame animals, contrasting it with the difficulty of taming the tongue.
3. 2 Peter 2:12: “But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction.” Although Damazō is not directly used here, the concept of subduing or taming is present in the portrayal of these individuals as being controlled by their base instincts.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Damazō is defined as “to tame,” “to subdue,” or “to bring under control.” BDAG emphasizes that the term is often used in reference to animals, indicating the human ability to exert control over wild creatures. The lexicon also highlights the metaphorical use of Damazō in the New Testament, particularly in James 3:7, where the taming of animals is contrasted with the challenge of controlling the human tongue.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Damazō similarly, noting that the verb primarily means “to tame” or “to subdue.” Thayer’s points out that Damazō can refer to the act of bringing something unruly or wild under control, whether it be an animal, a person, or an emotion. The lexicon underscores the importance of discipline and mastery, particularly in the context of Christian behavior, where controlling one’s tongue and actions is crucial.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader historical context for Damazō, noting that it was commonly used in ancient Greek literature to describe the taming of wild animals or the subjugation of enemies. The lexicon indicates that Damazō carries a strong connotation of force or power, reflecting the dominance required to bring something under control.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Damazō as “to tame” or “to subdue,” focusing on its literal and metaphorical meanings. The concordance highlights the use of Damazō in the New Testament, particularly in passages that discuss the taming of animals or the control of human behavior.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Damazō is a term that frequently appears in classical Greek literature, often in contexts related to taming or subjugation.

1. Homer in the “Iliad” uses Damazō to describe the subjugation of enemies in battle, emphasizing the power and control exercised by victorious warriors over their foes.
2. Aeschylus in “Prometheus Bound” employs Damazō to depict the taming of wild animals, highlighting the skill and strength required to bring these creatures under human control.
3. Sophocles in “Antigone” uses Damazō metaphorically to describe the control of emotions and desires, illustrating the internal struggle of characters as they seek to master their own impulses.

Summary

Damazō (pronounced da-MAH-zo, δαμάζω) is a Greek verb meaning “to tame,” “to subdue,” or “to bring under control.” The term is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, often referring to the act of taming wild animals or subduing unruly behavior. In the New Testament, Damazō is employed to illustrate the challenges of controlling human behavior, particularly in the context of speech and emotions. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the significance of Damazō in conveying the need for discipline and mastery in various aspects of life. In classical Greek literature, Damazō is frequently used to describe the subjugation of enemies or the taming of wild creatures, reflecting the power and control required to bring something under submission. The term’s usage underscores the importance of control, whether in the physical, emotional, or spiritual realms, and highlights the universal struggle to master oneself and one’s environment.