Original Word: δεσμεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: desmeuó
Pronunciation: des-myoo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (des-myoo'-o)
KJV: bind
NASB: binding, bound, tie
Word Origin: [from a (presumed) derivative of G1196 (δεσμέω - To bind)]

1. to be a binder (captor), i.e. to enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load)

bind together

From a (presumed) derivative of desmeo; to be a binder (captor), i.e. To enchain (a prisoner), to tie on (a load) -- bind.

see GREEK desmeo

Word Origin
from desmos
Definition
to bind together, to fetter
NASB Translation
binding (1), bound (1), tie (1).

STRONGS NT 1195: δεσμεύω

δεσμεύω; (imperfect passive 3 person singular ἐδεσμεύετο (Luke 8:29 T Tr WH)); (δεσμός);

a. to put in chains: Luke 8:29 T Tr WH; Acts 22:4; (the Sept. Judges 16:11; Euripides, Bacch. 616; Xenophon, Hier. 6, 14; Plato, legg. 7, p. 808 d.).

b. to bind up, bind together: φορτία, Matthew 23:4; (δράγματα, Genesis 37:7; Judith 8:3. (Hesiod, Works, 479, others)).

Overview

The term translated “bind” in Strong’s Greek 1195 consistently portrays a restraining action—physical, social, or spiritual—that limits freedom and imposes control. Scripture employs the word to expose human oppression, demonic captivity, and religious legalism, all of which stand in stark contrast to the liberating work of the gospel.

Occurrences in Scripture

1. Matthew 23:4 – “They tie up heavy, burdensome loads and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves will not lift a finger to move them.”
2. Luke 8:29 – “For Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was bound with chains and shackles and kept under guard, he would break the chains and be driven by the demon into solitary places.”
3. Acts 22:4 – “I persecuted this Way even to the death, binding both men and women and delivering them into prisons.”

Semantic Range and Theological Themes

• Physical restraint: chains, shackles, and imprisonment (Luke 8:29; Acts 22:4).
• Religious oppression: legalistic systems that burden consciences (Matthew 23:4).
• Moral obligation: the law’s demands versus gracious freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1; Romans 8:2).
• Spiritual bondage: demonic tyranny yielding to Christ’s authority (Luke 4:18; Luke 8:29).

Historical Background

First-century authorities used irons and wooden stocks to secure prisoners; Jewish leaders wielded synagogue discipline to “bind” offenders socially and spiritually. Pharisaic tradition added layers of oral regulation, effectively chaining the populace to human interpretations of the Torah. Roman practice allowed local councils to request military force for arrests, explaining Paul’s earlier zeal to “bind” believers (Acts 9:1-2).

Exegetical Insights

Matthew 23:4 – The verb underscores the contrast between leaders who manufacture burdens and the Messiah who invites the weary to rest (Matthew 11:28-30).

Luke 8:29 – Human attempts to restrain demonic power fail; only Jesus can liberate the captive, fulfilling Isaiah 61:1.

Acts 22:4 – Paul’s confession highlights the irony that the future apostle of liberty once specialized in bondage, magnifying grace (1 Timothy 1:13-14).

Practical Ministry Implications

• Guard the flock from legalism: teaching must elevate Christ’s finished work, not additional requirements (Colossians 2:16-23).
• Address spiritual captivity: prayer and gospel proclamation remain the means by which demonic strongholds are broken (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).
• Advocate justice: believers oppose unjust incarceration and societal shackles, reflecting God’s heart for the oppressed (Isaiah 58:6; Hebrews 13:3).
• Model servant leadership: shepherds lift burdens rather than add them (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Related Biblical Concepts

Freedom in Christ – John 8:36; Galatians 5:1

Yoke imagery – Matthew 11:29-30; Acts 15:10

Chains and imprisonment – Psalm 107:14-16; Philippians 1:13

Bondage to sin versus life in the Spirit – Romans 6:17-18; Romans 8:2

See Also

Strong’s Greek 1210 (δέω) – to bind, tie

Strong’s Greek 3089 (λύω) – to loose, release

δεσμεύειν δεσμεύεις δεσμεύοντες δεσμεύουσι δεσμευουσιν δεσμεύουσιν δεσμευων δεσμεύων εδεσμευετο ἐδεσμεύετο desmeuon desmeuōn desmeúon desmeúōn desmeuousin desmeúousin edesmeueto edesmeúetoInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts