σύνδεσμος (G4886) — Greek Lexicon

σύνδεσμος

sýndesmos

G4886 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A binding or fastening; in physical contexts, a band or ligament that joins separate parts together (especially of the body). In figurative and metaphorical use, a unifying force, principle, or bond that connects people, qualities, or communities. The central idea is that of something that fastens or holds together separate elements, whether literally (such as a ligament connecting bones) or figuratively (such as a principle that unites a group or a quality that binds a community).

Semantic Range

ligament, band, fastening, connecting joint, bond (of unity), uniting principle, tie, social or ethical bond

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition σύν ('with, together') and δεσμός ('bond, fetter, that which binds'). The underlying sense is 'that which binds together.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, σύνδεσμος often refers to anything that fastens, ties, or connects—such as a band, strap, or ligament. In medical literature and anatomical contexts (e.g., Hippocrates), it is frequently used for ligaments, the connective tissue that joins bones. In rhetoric, it may refer to a grammatical conjunction or a connecting word. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament), the figurative uses become prominent, with σύνδεσμος denoting that which unites or holds people together—such as 'the bond of peace' (Eph 4:3) or 'the bond of love' (Col 3:14). English Bible translations often render it as 'bond,' 'band,' or less literally as 'ligament' or 'tie,' but these may not capture the full range of physical and metaphorical meaning present in Greek sources. The metaphorical extension from physical ligaments to unifying social or ethical principles is particularly characteristic of later Greek, especially in philosophical and early Christian writings.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σύν and δεσμόν; a joint tie, i.e. ligament, (figuratively) uniting principle, control:--band, bond.

Root Family

σύνδεσμος (syndesmos) — binding together, joining, fastening, ligament, bond of unity

Root συν-δεσμ- to bind together, to join

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4886-02`	σύνδεσμον	sundesmon	`N ACC M SG`	bands/ligaments	binding bond	binding bond	2
`G4886-03`	σύνδεσμος	sundesmos	`N NOM M SG`	bond	binding bond	binding bond	1
`G4886-01`	συνδέσμῳ	sundesmo	`N DAT M SG`	bond	to a uniting bond	uniting bond	1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4886-02`	Acts 8:23	σύνδεσμον	sundesmon	`N ACC M SG`	bond	binding bond	binding bond
`G4886-01`	Ephesians 4:3	συνδέσμῳ	sundesmo	`N DAT M SG`	bond	to a uniting bond	uniting bond
`G4886-02`	Colossians 2:19	συνδέσμων	sundesmon	`N GEN M PL`	bands/ligaments	binding bond	bonds
`G4886-03`	Colossians 3:14	σύνδεσμος	sundesmos	`N NOM M SG`	bond	binding bond	binding bond

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