### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **damázō**, represented by `{{G1150}}`, means **to tame**. It appears **4 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is used to describe the act of subduing or bringing a wild, powerful, or unruly force under control.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1150}}` is used to create a stark contrast between what humanity can and cannot control. While mankind is capable of taming the animal kingdom ("every kind of beasts... is **tamed**, and hath been **tamed** of mankind" [[James 3:7]]), the human tongue proves to be an exception. It is described as something that "no man can **tame**" [[James 3:8]]. The word is also used to describe the failure of physical force to subdue a man possessed by an unclean spirit, who had broken fetters and chains; the account states that "neither could any man **tame** him" [[Mark 5:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the context of control and untamed power:
* `{{G1100}}` **glōssa** (the tongue; by implication, a language): This is the primary subject that is described as being impossible for man to tame, an "unruly evil" [[James 3:8]].
* `{{G183}}` **akatáschetos** (unrestrainable): This adjective is used to characterize the tongue, directly linking its nature to the impossibility of taming it [[James 3:8]].
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (to bind): This refers to the physical attempt to restrain the man who could not be tamed. He had been "often bound with fetters and chains" [[Mark 5:4]], but this physical action failed where taming was not possible.
* `{{G254}}` **hálysis** (a fetter or manacle) and `{{G3976}}` **pédē** (a shackle for the feet): These are the physical restraints that were "plucked asunder" and "broken in pieces" by the man who could not be tamed [[Mark 5:4]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1150}}` carries significant thematic weight, illustrating key spiritual principles.
* **The Limits of Human Ability:** The contrast in [[James 3:7-8]] establishes a clear boundary on human power. While man can exercise dominion over the natural world, he is shown to be incapable of subduing the evil within his own nature, specifically the tongue.
* **The Power of Uncontrolled Forces:** Both the tongue and the possessed man represent forces that are beyond simple restraint. The man in [[Mark 5:4]] demonstrates a supernatural strength that breaks chains `{{G254}}`, and the tongue is called an "unruly `{{G183}}` evil" that is deadly.
* **Physical vs. True Subjugation:** The failure to bind `{{G1210}}` the man with fetters `{{G3976}}` and chains demonstrates that physical force is insufficient to control a spiritual problem. The inability to `tame` him points to a need for a higher power to achieve true subjugation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1150}}` **damázō** is a specific and powerful term that explores the concept of control. Through its limited but potent usage, it illustrates a profound theological point: there are forces, both internal like the human tongue and external like demonic spirits, that are utterly beyond the power of mankind **to tame**. This highlights human weakness and the need for divine intervention to subdue that which is truly wild and unruly.
TRV