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δεσμόν

desmón

G1199 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A bond, band, or tie—something that binds or fastens one thing to another. Primarily refers to a physical binding: (1) in physiological contexts, a ligament or connective tissue tying together parts of the body; (2) in non-physical contexts, a shackle, chain, or fetter used to restrain or confine (especially of prisoners). Also used figuratively to describe anything that restricts or impedes freedom—such as an obstacle, limitation, or bond of obligation.

Semantic Range

physical band, ligament, chain, shackle, fetter, restraint, impediment, tie, bond (literal or figurative)

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root δέω ('to bind, tie'); δεσμός is a noun formed from this verbal root, indicating the result or instrument of binding.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, δεσμός is attested in Homer and later authors, primarily denoting any physical tying or fastening: ropes, chains, bands, including in anatomical (ligament) and penal (chains of prisoners) contexts. In the Septuagint, δεσμός frequently renders Hebrew words for restraint (e.g., אֲסוּרִים as chains/bonds), highlighting its association with captivity or oppression. In the New Testament, the term retains its core sense of bonds or chains, especially those used to restrain persons awaiting trial or punishment (Acts, Philippians, Colossians, Philemon). Figurative uses extend to spiritual or emotional constraints, though this is less common. The English word 'bond' or 'chain' approximates the sense, but does not always convey the full range from physiological ligaments to social or judicial restraint. The term is distinct from δεσμωτήριον (prison) and δεσμοφύλαξ (jailer), which refer to places or people associated with binding. Usage consistently emphasizes the state of being bound rather than the binder or place of binding.

Translation Consistency

primary "bond" 16 occurrences

'bond' is the most natural, general English equivalent that covers the primary literal sense (a band, ligament, chain or shackle) and the common figurative senses (restraint, tie, obligation). It matches the majority of existing renderings ('bonds') while remaining neutral and easily inflected for singular/plural contexts.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"driven" (1x) "binding restraints" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter and masculine respectively from δέω; a band, i.e. ligament (of the body) or shackle (of a prisoner); figuratively, an impediment or disability:--band, bond, chain, string.

Root Family

δεσμός (desmos) — bond, band, tie, shackle, restraint

Root δεσμ- to bind, to tie

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1199-02 δεσμοῖς desmois N DAT M PL bonds in bonds in bonds 6
G1199-03 δεσμῶν desmon N GEN M PL bonds of bonds of bonds 6
G1199-01 δεσμὰ desma N ACC N PL bonds binding bonds bonds 3
G1199-06 δεσμούς desmous N ACC M PL bonds binding restraints binding restraints 1
G1199-04 δεσμὸς desmos N NOM M SG bond a binding bond bond 1
G1199-05 δεσμοῦ desmou N GEN M SG bond of a bond bond 1

Occurrences in Scripture

18 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1199-04 Mark 7:35 δεσμὸς desmos N NOM M SG bond a binding bond bond
G1199-01 Luke 8:29 δεσμὰ desma N ACC N PL bonds binding bonds was being driven
G1199-05 Luke 13:16 δεσμοῦ desmou N GEN M SG bond of a bond bond
G1199-01 Acts 16:26 δεσμὰ desma N NOM N PL chains binding bonds bonds
G1199-01 Acts 20:23 δεσμὰ desma N NOM N PL bonds binding bonds bonds
G1199-03 Acts 23:29 δεσμῶν desmon N GEN M PL of bonds of bonds of bonds
G1199-03 Acts 26:29 δεσμῶν desmon N GEN M PL bonds of bonds bonds
G1199-03 Acts 26:31 δεσμῶν desmon N GEN M PL of bonds of bonds of bonds
G1199-02 Philippians 1:7 δεσμοῖς desmois N DAT M PL bonds in bonds in bonds
G1199-06 Philippians 1:13 δεσμούς desmous N ACC M PL bonds binding restraints binding restraints
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