Lexical Summary damazó: To tame, subdue, bring under control Original Word: δαμάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tame, subdueA variation of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to tame -- tame. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. root dama- Definition to tame NASB Translation subdue (1), tame (1), tamed (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1150: δαμάζωδαμάζω: 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 Overview and Thematic Scope Strong’s Greek 1150 conveys the act of bringing something fierce or unruly under control. In the New Testament its focus falls on two seemingly separate arenas—the subjugation of a demon-possessed man (Mark 5) and the regulation of the human tongue (James 3). Together these passages illustrate Scripture’s unified message that fallen creation, whether spiritual, physical, or verbal, resists human mastery but ultimately yields to divine authority. Occurrences in Holy Scripture 1. Mark 5:4—In the region of the Gerasenes a legion-possessed man “had often been bound with shackles and chains, but he had torn the chains apart and smashed the shackles. No one had strength to subdue him.” (The verb appears twice in verse 7—present and perfect forms—highlighting ongoing human effort and past accomplishments.) Background in Ancient Culture In Greco-Roman society animal-training arenas and traveling menageries showcased mankind’s dominance over creation. The term conveyed social prestige: those who could tame lions or elephants demonstrated power worthy of public acclaim. By applying the same verb to the tongue, James intentionally shocks his readers—if emperors can parade subjugated beasts, yet ordinary believers cannot govern their own speech, humanity’s moral helplessness is exposed. Theological Themes 1. Human limitation: Both Mark and James underscore that natural or demonic forces surpass fallen human strength. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Spiritual warfare: Pastors counseling those in bondage should note that chains and programs alone cannot effect true liberation; deliverance rests in the authority of Jesus Christ. Christological Focus Jesus stands as the embodied answer to humanity’s taming crisis. Where chains failed, His word prevailed (Mark 5:8). Where rigorous discipline cannot fully restrain the tongue, union with Christ offers a new heart from which transformed speech flows (Luke 6:45; Ephesians 4:29). Related Biblical Imagery • Psalm 8:6-8 celebrates mankind’s delegated dominion over creatures, an echo heard in James 3. Homiletical Notes An effective sermon could juxtapose the Gerasene demoniac snapping iron with believers snapping at one another through careless words, then move to Christ’s power both to liberate and to purify. Illustrations from modern animal training—tireless repetition, appropriate restraint, reward systems—can shed light on spiritual disciplines that place the tongue under Christ’s yoke. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 1150 invites reflection on the universal struggle for control—of circumstances, of forces, and of oneself. Scripture testifies that genuine mastery is neither self-generated nor merely therapeutic; it is Christ’s gift, granted to those who trust His authority and walk in His Spirit, awaiting the day when every rebellious element is forever tamed. Forms and Transliterations δαμάζει δαμαζεται δαμάζεται δαμασαι δαμάσαι δαμάσει δεδαμασται δεδάμασται damasai damásai damazetai damázetai dedamastai dedámastaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 5:4 V-ANAGRK: 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 James 3:7 V-RIM/P-3S James 3:8 V-ANA Strong's Greek 1150 |
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