σειρά
seirá
G4577 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A cord or rope used for binding or fastening; in later usage, a chain comprised of linked metal segments. The primary sense is of a band or ligature, flexible or articulated, designed to secure, tie, or confine objects or persons. In specific contexts, particularly in later and Koine Greek, it can denote a chain for fettering individuals, as in imprisonment or restraint.
Semantic Range
cord, rope, ligature, chain (flexible or metallic), bond, shackle, instrument for binding or restraining
Root / Etymology
Derived from the verb σείρω ('to string, to thread, to trail'), related to σῦρον ('cord, rope'), possibly cognate with σῦρω ('to drag, draw'). The form σειρά is attested in classical Greek as 'rope' or 'cord,' with semantic extension to 'chain' in Hellenistic and later Greek. Ultimately of Indo-European origin, but precise etymology uncertain beyond Greek root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek literature, σειρά primarily referred to a rope, cord, or band, typically made of twisted fibers (e.g., flax, hemp) for binding, fastening, or drawing. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the meaning broadened to include metallic chains, particularly in contexts of imprisonment or physical restraint, reflecting changing material culture and technology. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, σειρά appears especially for devices restraining individuals (e.g., chains on prisoners). Most English translations render it as 'chain' when the context demands (prison chains, fetters), but the historical Greek sense also encompasses non-metallic bindings. Distinguished from πέδη ('shackle, fetter'), which often refers specifically to foot chains or leg irons, and from λύσις ('bond, that which fastens'), which refers more generally to a fastening device. The semantic shift from 'cord' to 'chain' reflects adaptation to changing penal practices in the Greco-Roman world. Earliest attestations are in Homeric and classical usage as 'cord' or 'rope.' The more narrow metallic 'chain' meaning is typical of Koine and later periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from σύρω through its congener (to fasten; akin to αἱρέομαι); a chain (as binding or drawing):--chain.
Root Family
σειρά (seira) — cord, rope, ligature, chain, bond, shackle
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4577-01 |
σειροῖς | seirois | N DAT M PL |
chains | with binding-chains | with binding-chains | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4577-01 |
2 Peter 2:4 | σειροῖς | seirois | N DAT M PL |
chains | with binding-chains | with binding-chains |