σύνδεσμος (sundesmos)
sundesmos
bond(age)
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun sundesmos refers to a bond or ligament that binds things together. In its literal sense, it describes the physical structures connecting parts of the body, such as joints and muscles. Paul uses this concrete image in Colossians 2:19 to explain how the church remains united through Christ, who is the head from which the entire body grows.
Metaphorically, the word shifts to describe spiritual or moral connections that hold a community together. In Acts 8:23, Peter describes Simon Magus as being bound by iniquity, using sundesmos to depict a state of captivity to sin. Similarly, Colossians 3:14 calls love the "bond of perfection," suggesting that charity is the essential glue that completes and unifies the Christian life.
Its root combines syn ("with") and desmos ("bond"), emphasizing connection rather than mere restraint. Translators often render it as "bond" or "ligament," capturing both the physical tightness of a joint and the relational unity of believers. This dual usage highlights how physical wholeness mirrors spiritual harmony in the New Testament.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word sundesmos describes a physical ligament or bond that holds parts of the body together. It reminds us that we are not designed to function in isolation. Just as joints connect bones so movement is possible, this word highlights how our connections with others give life and structure to our spiritual walk.
In Colossians 3:14, love is called the "bond of perfection." This suggests that while other virtues are important, love is what completes us and ties everything together. It is the glue that keeps relationships healthy and unified. When we choose to love, we participate in the very fabric that holds the community of faith together.
Even when we feel bound by negative patterns, as Peter notes in Acts 8:23, there is hope for release. The same God who creates bonds for healing can break chains of sin. We are invited to rest in the truth that our true unity comes from Christ, who connects us to Himself and to one another.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] bond2×
- ligaments1×
- bond1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σύνδεσμος1×
- σύνδεσμον1×
- συνδέσμῳ1×
- συνδέσμων1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 3:14
Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
This verse uniquely identifies love as the specific bond that brings completeness to the Christian life.
-
Colossians 2:19
and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God’s growth.
Here the word describes the physical-like connection of the church body to Christ, showing that growth depends on this union.
-
Acts 8:23
For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.”
Peter uses this term metaphorically to describe Simon Magus being held captive by sin, contrasting spiritual bondage with true freedom.
-
Ephesians 4:3
being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Although some translations use 'bond' here, the context emphasizes peace as the binding agent for unity, showing the word's relational application.