δεσμεύω (desmeuō)
desmeuō
to bind
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb desmeuō means to bind or put in chains, describing a physical act of restraint. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, yet it carries significant weight through its specific contexts. It is used to describe how demons held a man (Luke 8:29) and how Paul was bound by Jewish authorities (Acts 22:4), highlighting a loss of freedom through external force.
It also describes the burden placed on people, as when Jesus criticizes religious leaders for tying up heavy loads and placing them on others’ shoulders (Matthew 23:4). This usage connects the word to the idea of oppressive rules or expectations. The root relates to bonds or fetters, emphasizing confinement.
Translators usually render it "bind" or "chain," which captures its literal sense. Unlike words for spiritual binding, desmeuō often refers to tangible restriction. Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence stand out, drawing attention to the nature of imprisonment or heavy burdens in biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word desmeuō describes the physical act of binding or chaining someone. In Scripture, it appears rarely, but each time it marks a moment of intense restriction. Whether it is a man held by demonic forces or an apostle imprisoned for his faith, the image is one of lost freedom through external force.
Jesus uses this concept to critique religious leaders who bind heavy burdens on others while refusing to help carry them. This highlights how rules and expectations can become oppressive weights rather than guides for life. The physical restraint mirrors spiritual or social confinement, reminding us that true freedom comes from grace, not legalism.
When you feel weighed down by demands or circumstances, remember that Christ offers a different kind of yoke—one that is easy and light. His presence does not chain you; it sets you free to live with purpose and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he was shackled1×
- binding1×
- They tie up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδεσμεύετο1×
- δεσμεύων1×
- δεσμεύουσιν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 23:4
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.
Jesus uses this verb to condemn religious leaders who impose heavy, oppressive rules on people without offering help.
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Luke 8:29
For 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.
This occurrence shows the word describing a man physically restrained by chains due to demonic possession, highlighting total loss of autonomy.
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Acts 22:4
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
Paul recalls his past persecution of Christians, using this verb to describe the physical binding and imprisonment he enforced against believers.