from a (presumed) derivative of δεσμέω; to be a binder (captor), i.e. to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load):-- bind.
Transliteration:desmeúō
Pronunciation:des-myoo'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb δεσμεύω (desmeúō, `{{G1195}}`) is derived from a presumed derivative of δεσμέω, which itself originates from δεσμός (desmos, `{{G1199}}`), meaning a bond, chain, or anything that binds. Its core meaning is "to bind," "to tie," or "to enchain." The word inherently conveys the idea of restriction, restraint, or securing something or someone.
The semantic range of δεσμεύω encompasses:
* **Physical Binding:** This refers to the literal act of tying or chaining individuals or objects. It implies the use of physical restraints to secure a prisoner, to prepare an animal for transport, or to fasten a load.
* **Figurative Binding:** Beyond the physical, δεσμεύω can be used metaphorically to describe the imposition of obligations, burdens, or spiritual limitations. This can involve binding someone under an oath, a curse, or a set of rules, or restraining a spiritual entity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
δεσμεύω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, each instance offering significant insight into its usage:
* **[[Matthew 12:29]]**: "Or how can someone enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, unless he first *binds* the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house." In this crucial saying of Jesus, δεσμεύω is used metaphorically to describe the necessary act of overpowering and restraining a powerful adversary. The "strong man" is understood to represent Satan, and Jesus's ability to "bind" him signifies His superior authority and power over the kingdom of darkness, enabling Him to rescue those held captive by evil spirits. This is a profound statement about spiritual warfare and Christ's victory.
* **[[Matthew 23:4]]**: "They *bind* heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them." Here, δεσμεύω is employed to critique the scribes and Pharisees. It refers to their practice of imposing burdensome legalistic interpretations and countless rules upon the people, creating a system of religious obligation that was difficult, if not impossible, to fulfill. This is a figurative binding, highlighting the oppressive nature of human-made religious strictures as opposed to the liberating yoke of Christ.
* **[[Acts 22:5]]**: "as also the high priest and all the council of elders bear me witness. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed to Damascus to bring those who were there, *bound*, to Jerusalem to be punished." In this autobiographical account, Paul recounts his past actions as a persecutor of Christians. The use of δεσμεύω here is literal, referring to the physical arrest and chaining of believers for transport back to Jerusalem for trial and punishment. This verse vividly portrays the severe persecution faced by the early church.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding δεσμεύω includes several closely related terms and concepts:
* **δεσμός (desmos, `{{G1199}}`):** The noun form, meaning a bond, chain, or imprisonment. This is the root from which δεσμεύω is derived, emphasizing the physical or metaphorical restraints.
* **δέω (deō, `{{G1210}}`):** A very similar verb also meaning "to bind," often used interchangeably or in parallel contexts, particularly in the concept of "binding and loosing" (e.g., [[Matthew 16:19]]). While distinct, their semantic ranges overlap significantly.
* **δεσμώτης (desmōtēs, `{{G1202}}`):** A prisoner, literally "one who is bound." This noun directly relates to the outcome of the action described by δεσμεύω.
* **λύω (lyō, `{{G3089}}`):** To loose, untie, release, or set free. This is the direct antonym, often appearing in theological discussions about freedom versus bondage, or the authority to permit and forbid.
* **Concepts:** Imprisonment, restraint, obligation, authority, spiritual warfare, liberation, legalism, persecution, and suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δεσμεύω is multifaceted:
* **Christ's Authority Over Evil:** The use of δεσμεύω in [[Matthew 12:29]] is profoundly significant. Jesus's assertion that He must "bind the strong man" (Satan) before plundering his house (rescuing those under demonic influence) underscores His supreme authority over the forces of evil. This passage presents the exorcisms performed by Jesus not merely as acts of healing but as demonstrations of His ultimate victory in the ongoing spiritual war, a prerequisite for the establishment of God's kingdom.
* **Critique of Oppressive Legalism:** In [[Matthew 23:4]], δεσμεύω serves as a powerful indictment of religious hypocrisy and oppressive legalism. Jesus condemns the religious leaders for "binding" heavy burdens of human-made rules on the people, which are contrary to the true spirit of the Law and the liberating grace of God. This highlights a core theological tension between burdensome religious systems and the freedom found in genuine relationship with God through Christ.
* **The Reality of Persecution:** [[Acts 22:5]] reminds us of the harsh reality of physical binding and imprisonment endured by early Christians. Paul's own past role in "binding" believers for punishment underscores the suffering that often accompanies faithfulness to Christ. Ironically, Paul himself would later be "bound" for the sake of the Gospel, illustrating a powerful theological trajectory from persecutor to persecuted, and the transformative power of divine grace.
### Summary
The Greek verb δεσμεύω (desmeúō, `{{G1195}}`) means "to bind" or "to tie," originating from the concept of a bond or chain. Its usage in the New Testament extends from literal physical restraint, as seen in Paul's account of persecuting Christians [[Acts 22:5]], to powerful metaphorical applications. Most notably, it describes Jesus's authoritative act of "binding the strong man" (Satan) in [[Matthew 12:29]], signifying His triumph over spiritual forces of evil and the liberation of those held captive. Conversely, it is used to condemn the religious leaders who "bind" heavy, oppressive burdens of legalism upon the people [[Matthew 23:4]], contrasting sharply with the freedom offered by Christ. Thus, δεσμεύω encapsulates themes of divine authority, spiritual warfare, the oppressive nature of legalism, and the reality of persecution, all while pointing to Christ as the ultimate liberator.
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