δεσμεύω
desmeuō
to bind
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek verb "δεσμεύω" (desmeuō) has a short definition of "to bind". This implies a range of usage where the concept of binding or restraint is applied to physical or possibly metaphorical objects. The fact that it occurs only three times in the Bible suggests a relatively limited scope or context-specific meaning. Despite this, the verb's core meaning remains constant. In terms of its significance, the verb "δεσμεύω" is significant in that it provides a physical or tangible example of restraint or restriction. This could be applied to physical objects, people, or even ideas. Its limited occurrence might not provide widespread insight into the complexities of the biblical text, but it does serve as a straightforward illustration of the power of binding and restraint. Ultimately, the verb "δεσμεύω" highlights the biblical authors' focus on concrete and understandable concepts, making it an interesting example for those wishing to engage closely with the lexical material of the Greek Bible.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.
Luke 8:29For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For the unclean spirit had often seized the man. He was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters. Breaking the bonds apart, he was driven by the demon into the desert.
Acts 22:4I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.