### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **desméō**, represented by `{{G1196}}`, means **to tie, i.e. shackle** or **bind**. It is derived from the word for a band or shackle, `{{G1199}}` desmón. This specific term is quite rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its single usage particularly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G1196}}` is in the account of the man possessed by an unclean spirit. The narrative in [[Luke 8:29]] explains that people had attempted to restrain him, noting that "he was kept **bound** with chains and in fetters." This act of binding was a physical response to a spiritual torment. However, the demonic power within the man was so great that he broke these restraints and was driven into the wilderness, highlighting the inadequacy of physical measures to control him.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used in the same passage to create a detailed picture of the man's containment:
* `{{G1199}}` **desmón** (a band... or shackle): This is the direct root of `{{G1196}}` and is used to describe "the **bands**" that the possessed man broke [[Luke 8:29]].
* `{{G254}}` **hálysis** (a fetter or manacle): This word specifies one of the types of restraints used on the man, who was bound with **chains** [[Luke 8:29]].
* `{{G3976}}` **pédē** (a shackle for the feet): This term further details the physical restraints, noting that the man was bound with chains and in **fetters** [[Luke 8:29]].
* `{{G5442}}` **phylássō** (to watch... be on guard... preserve): This word describes the human effort to control the man, stating that he was **kept** bound, an effort which ultimately failed [[Luke 8:29]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1196}}` is found entirely within its specific context, where it serves to contrast human weakness with spiritual power.
* **Limitation of Physical Restraint:** The use of **desméō** to describe the binding of the demon-possessed man demonstrates the failure of human, physical efforts to contain a powerful spiritual force [[Luke 8:29]].
* **Demonstration of Spiritual Power:** The fact that the man who was **bound** `{{G1196}}` could easily break his chains and fetters serves to illustrate the superhuman strength given to him by the "unclean spirit."
* **Supremacy of Christ's Authority:** The inability of physical bonds to hold the man stands in stark contrast to the authority of Jesus, who "commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man" [[Luke 8:29]]. The failure of the binding highlights the success of Christ's word.
### Summary
In summary, while `{{G1196}}` is used only once, its meaning is crucial. The act of being **bound** is not presented as a solution, but as a failed human attempt at control. This single use of **desméō** powerfully illustrates that a spiritual problem cannot be solved with physical restraints like chains and fetters, but only by the divine authority of Christ, whose command accomplishes what no shackle ever could.
TRV