δαμάζω
damázō
G1150 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To subdue, to bring under control, to tame (especially of animals); in extended usage, to subdue or control desires, passions, or the body. The primary meaning involves the exertion of power to render something wild or unruly manageable or docile. In metaphorical contexts, it refers to self-mastery or discipline.
Semantic Range
to tame (of animals), to subdue, to bring under control (of people or passions), to master (e.g. the tongue), to domesticate
Root / Etymology
From δαμ- (dam-), a root meaning 'to subdue' or 'to tame'. Closely related to δαμάζω in earlier Greek, which also means 'to subdue, tame, conquer'. Cognate with Latin domare ('to tame, subdue').
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in Homeric and classical Greek literature with the basic meaning 'to subdue, tame', both of animals and inanimate forces. By the Hellenistic period and in the Koine of the New Testament, δαμάζω retains its usage for taming animals but gains metaphorical application, as found in James 3:7, to the control of the tongue, illustrating mastery over inherently unruly aspects of human nature. The word does not carry the sense of gentle training, but rather a forceful bringing under control. LXX usage is rare. English Bibles often render it as 'tame', which reflects the literal meaning when animals are in view, but may understate the sense of force or power in metaphorical contexts. Distinguished from παιδεύω ('to discipline, educate') by its emphasis on subjugation rather than guidance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a variation of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to tame:--tame.
Root Family
δαμ- (damázō) — to subdue, to tame, to bring under control
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1150-01 |
δαμάσαι | damasai | V AOR ACT INF |
tame | to subdue | to subdue | 2 |
G1150-02 |
δαμάζεται | damazetai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is tamed | is being subdued | is tamed | 1 |
G1150-03 |
δεδάμασται | dedamastai | V PRF PASS IND 3P SG |
has been tamed | has been subdued | has been tamed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1150-01 |
Mark 5:4 | δαμάσαι | damasai | V AOR ACT INF |
tame | to subdue | to subdue |
G1150-02 |
James 3:7 | δαμάζεται | damazetai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
is tamed | is being subdued | is tamed |
G1150-03 |
James 3:7 | δεδάμασται | dedamastai | V PRF PASS IND 3P SG |
has been tamed | has been subdued | has been tamed |
G1150-01 |
James 3:8 | δαμάσαι | damasai | V AOR ACT INF |
to tame | to subdue | to tame |