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δεσμεύω

desmeúō

G1195 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To bind, fasten, or tie, most commonly referring to the physical act of restraining someone or something with bonds or cords. The primary sense is to place under restraint using physical means, such as shackles, ropes, or chains. In broader or figurative use, it can refer to confining, restricting freedom, or binding a load onto something for transport.

Semantic Range

to bind physically, to tie up (a person, prisoner, or animal), to fasten or attach (a load or object), to restrain by means of bonds

Root / Etymology

From the root δεσμ- (desm-) meaning 'bond' or 'fetters'; related to the noun δεσμός ('bond, fetter, chain') and cognate with the verb δέω ('to bind'). δεσμεύω (desmeuō) is a denominative verb formed from δεσμός, meaning 'to put in bonds, to fetter.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, δεσμεύω is used primarily for the literal act of restraining someone (such as a prisoner) with physical bonds. Figurative or extended uses (e.g., emotional or legal constraint) are less prominent than with other binding-related verbs like δέω. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term generally maintains its concrete meaning—physically binding or chaining individuals (such as prisoners or captives), binding burdens to animals or vehicles, or similar acts of fastening. English Bible translations often render the word as 'bind' or 'to tie up,' which reflects its primary sense, but may fail to convey the specificity of physical or forcible restraint implied by the Greek. The verb is less common than related verbs such as δέω, and should be distinguished from more general terms for 'binding' that may include metaphorical or ceremonial connotations. There is no significant development of specialized religious or legal nuance for δεσμεύω in Koine Greek contexts compared to its broader Greek usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a (presumed) derivative of δεσμέω; to be a binder (captor), i.e. to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load):-- bind.

Root Family

δεσμεύω (desmeuō) — to bind, to fasten, to tie, to restrain with bonds

Root δεσμ- to bind, to fasten, to tie

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1195-02 δεσμεύουσιν desmeuousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL they bind they are binding they are binding 1
G1195-04 ἠθροισμένους ethroismenous V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M PL gathered together having been bound having been gathered together 1
G1195-01 δεσμεύων desmeuon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG binding binding binding 1
G1195-03 ἐδεσμεύετο edesmeueto V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG he was bound he was being put in bonds with chains 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1195-02 Matthew 23:4 δεσμεύουσιν desmeuousin V PRS ACT IND 3P PL they bind they are binding they are binding
G1195-03 Luke 8:29 ἐδεσμεύετο edesmeueto V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG he was bound he was being put in bonds with chains
G1195-04 Luke 24:33 ἠθροισμένους ethroismenous V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M PL gathered together having been bound having been gathered together
G1195-01 Acts 22:4 δεσμεύων desmeuon V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG binding binding binding
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