Desmṓtēs (pronounced des-MOH-tays) is a Greek masculine noun that translates to “prisoner” or “one who is bound.” The word is derived from the root δεσμός (desmós), meaning “bond” or “chain,” combined with the suffix -της (-tēs), which denotes an agent or person who is characterized by the root action. Thus, δεσμώτης literally means “one who is in bonds” or “one who is bound.” In the New Testament, the term is used to refer to individuals who are physically imprisoned or held in captivity.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

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

Primary Meanings:

• Prisoner: The primary meaning of δεσμώτης is “prisoner,” referring to someone who is physically confined or held in custody.
• One Who is Bound: The word can also be understood more broadly as “one who is bound,” indicating someone who is in chains or under some form of restraint.

Scripture References

1. Ephesians 3:1: “For this reason I, Paul, a prisoner (δεσμώτης) for Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles—”
2. Ephesians 4:1: “I therefore, a prisoner (δεσμώτης) for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”
3. 2 Timothy 1:8: “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner (δεσμώτης), but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God.”

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines δεσμώτης as “prisoner,” with an emphasis on its use in the New Testament to describe individuals who are physically imprisoned or held in custody. BDAG notes that the term is used metaphorically by the Apostle Paul to describe his imprisonment for the sake of the gospel, emphasizing his identification with Christ in his suffering and captivity.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon provides a similar definition, describing δεσμώτης as “a captive” or “one who is bound.” Thayer’s emphasizes that the term is used in the New Testament to refer specifically to those who are imprisoned for their faith, particularly in the context of Paul’s letters, where he refers to himself as a prisoner for Christ.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary also supports this understanding, noting that δεσμώτης is primarily used to describe someone who is physically imprisoned. Vine’s highlights the term’s metaphorical use by Paul, who refers to himself as a prisoner of Christ, indicating his total commitment to the gospel, even to the point of imprisonment.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a straightforward definition of δεσμώτης as “a prisoner” or “one who is bound.” The concordance emphasizes the use of the term in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Paul, where it is used to describe his physical imprisonment as well as his spiritual commitment to Christ.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Homer’s “Odyssey”: In the Odyssey, the concept of captivity and being held against one’s will is prevalent, with characters often described as being in bonds or captivity. The term δεσμώτης would be applicable in describing such individuals, highlighting their state of confinement.
2. Sophocles’ “Oedipus at Colonus”: In this tragedy, themes of fate and captivity are explored, with characters often feeling bound by their circumstances. Δεσμώτης could describe those who are metaphorically imprisoned by their fate.
3. Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War”: Thucydides frequently describes the capture and imprisonment of soldiers and civilians during the war. The term δεσμώτης would be used to refer to those who are taken as prisoners of war, highlighting their physical confinement.

Summary

Desmṓtēs (G1202) 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 imprisoned or held in custody, with a particular emphasis on the metaphorical use by the Apostle Paul, who refers to himself as a prisoner for Christ. Desmṓtēs encapsulates the concept of being bound or confined, whether physically, as in the case of imprisonment, or spiritually, as in the case of Paul’s commitment to the gospel. The term is also relevant in classical Greek literature, where it describes individuals who are held in captivity or bound by circumstances. Desmṓtēs provides a rich understanding of the experience of imprisonment and captivity, both in the New Testament and in ancient Greek culture.