1150. damazó

Lexicon

damazó: To tame, subdue, bring under control

Original Word: δαμάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: damazó
Pronunciation: dah-MAD-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (dam-ad'-zo)
Definition: To tame, subdue, bring under control
Meaning: I tame, subdue, involving obedience and restraint.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

tame, subdue

A variation of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to tame -- tame.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from a prim. root dama-
Definition
to tame
NASB Translation
subdue (1), tame (1), tamed (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1150: δαμάζω

δαμάζω: 1 aorist ἐδάμασα; passive (present δαμάζομαι; perfect δεδάμασμαι; (akin to Latindomo,dominus, Goth.gatamjan; English tame; cf. Curtius, § 260); common from Homer down; to tame: Mark 5:4; James 3:7; to restrain, curb, τήν γλῶσσαν, James 3:8.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δαμάζω, the concept of subduing or taming can be related to several Hebrew terms that convey similar ideas of control or dominion. One such term is כָּבַשׁ (kabash, Strong's Hebrew 3533), which means to subdue or bring into bondage, as seen in Genesis 1:28, where humanity is given the mandate to "subdue" the earth. Another related term is רָדָה (radah, Strong's Hebrew 7287), meaning to rule or have dominion, which also appears in the context of humanity's authority over creation. These Hebrew terms, like δαμάζω, reflect the biblical theme of exercising control and stewardship over both the natural world and one's own nature.

Usage: The verb δαμάζω is used in the New Testament to describe the act of taming or subduing, often in the context of controlling animals or metaphorically referring to controlling one's own nature or desires.

Context: The Greek verb δαμάζω appears in the New Testament with the primary meaning of taming or subduing. This term is often associated with the control of wild animals, as seen in James 3:7, where it is stated, "All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind." Here, δαμάζω illustrates humanity's ability to exert dominion over the natural world, a theme that resonates with the biblical mandate given in Genesis to have dominion over the earth.

Beyond its literal application, δαμάζω is also used metaphorically to describe the control of one's own passions and desires. This metaphorical usage aligns with the broader biblical theme of self-control and the subjugation of the flesh to the spirit. The concept of taming one's tongue, as discussed in James 3, further extends this metaphor, emphasizing the challenge of controlling one's speech and the potential for both blessing and harm that the tongue holds.

The use of δαμάζω in the New Testament underscores the importance of discipline and self-control in the Christian life. It reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, who enables believers to subdue their sinful nature and live in accordance with God's will. This aligns with the apostolic teachings on the fruit of the Spirit, which includes self-control as a key characteristic of a life led by the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

Forms and Transliterations

δαμάζει δαμαζεται δαμάζεται δαμασαι δαμάσαι δαμάσει δεδαμασται δεδάμασται damasai damásai damazetai damázetai dedamastai dedámastai

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 5:4 V-ANA
GRK: ἴσχυεν αὐτὸν δαμάσαι
NAS: was strong enough to subdue him.
KJV: neither could any [man] tame him.
INT: was able him to subdue

James 3:7 V-PIM/P-3S
GRK: καὶ ἐναλίων δαμάζεται καὶ δεδάμασται
NAS: and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed
KJV: of things in the sea, is tamed, and
INT: and things of the sea is subdued and has been subdued

James 3:7 V-RIM/P-3S
GRK: δαμάζεται καὶ δεδάμασται τῇ φύσει
NAS: is tamed and has been tamed by the human
KJV: and hath been tamed of mankind:
INT: is subdued and has been subdued by the species

James 3:8 V-ANA
GRK: γλῶσσαν οὐδεὶς δαμάσαι δύναται ἀνθρώπων
NAS: can tame the tongue;
KJV: no man tame; [it is] an unruly evil,
INT: [the] tongue no one to subdue is able of men

Strong's Greek 1150
4 Occurrences

δαμάσαι — 2 Occ.
δαμάζεται — 1 Occ.
δεδάμασται — 1 Occ.