neuter and masculine respectively from δέω; a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability:--band, bond, chain, string.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **desmón**, represented by `{{G1199}}`, is a term for a **band**, **bond**, or **chain**. It appears **20 times** across **20 unique verses**. While its primary meaning refers to the literal shackle of a prisoner or a physical ligament, it is also used figuratively in scripture to describe an impediment or disability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G1199}}` appears in several significant contexts. The Apostle Paul frequently uses it to refer to his own imprisonment, describing his **bonds** in Christ that have become known throughout the palace [[Philippians 1:13]]. He writes of his affection for Onesimus, whom he considers a son begotten in his **bonds** [[Philemon 1:10]]. The term is also used for literal physical restraints, as when an earthquake shook a prison and "every one's **bands** were loosed" [[Acts 16:26]]. In a figurative sense, it describes a physical disability, as when the **string** of a man's tongue was loosed, enabling him to speak [[Mark 7:35]]. The word is also used to describe supernatural confinement, referring to the "everlasting **chains**" that bind fallen angels [[Jude 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are derived from or connected to `{{G1199}}`, expanding on the concept of binding and imprisonment:
* `{{G1210}}` **déō** (to bind): This is the root verb from which **desmón** is derived. It refers to the act of binding, as when Jesus speaks of a woman whom Satan has **bound** for eighteen years [[Luke 13:16]].
* `{{G1196}}` **desméō** (to tie, i.e. shackle): This verb, derived from **desmón**, is used to describe the state of being shackled, such as the man with an unclean spirit who was kept **bound** with chains and in fetters [[Luke 8:29]].
* `{{G1201}}` **desmōtḗrion** (a place of bondage, i.e. a dungeon): This noun refers to a prison, the place where bonds are used. The foundations of the **prison** were shaken in Philippi, leading to the prisoners' bands being loosed [[Acts 16:26]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1199}}` is evident in its various applications.
* **Suffering for the Gospel:** Paul does not see his imprisonment as mere punishment but as **bonds** in Christ [[Philippians 1:13]]. His suffering is a testimony that serves for the "defence and confirmation of the gospel" [[Philippians 1:7]] and encourages others to speak the word "without fear" [[Philippians 1:14]].
* **Spiritual and Physical Bondage:** The word illustrates states of captivity that require divine intervention. A "daughter of Abraham" is described as being in a **bond** from which she ought to be loosed, having been bound by Satan [[Luke 13:16]]. In another account, a man possessed by a devil breaks the **bands** and fetters used to restrain him [[Luke 8:29]].
* **Divine Authority and Judgment:** The term is used to convey God's ultimate power to restrain evil. Fallen angels who left their first estate are reserved in "everlasting **chains** under darkness unto the judgment of the great day" [[Jude 1:6]], showing that even the most powerful spiritual beings are subject to God's sovereign justice.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1199}}` is a multifaceted word that moves from the literal to the metaphorical. It describes the physical shackles of apostles, the spiritual bondage of humanity under sin and Satan, and the ultimate restraint of divine judgment. Through Paul's writings, the concept of **bonds** is transformed from a mark of shame into a badge of honor worn for the sake of the gospel, illustrating a profound truth about suffering and faith.
TRV