Lexical Summary desmios: Prisoner Original Word: δεσμιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prisoner. From desmon; a captive (as bound) -- in bonds, prisoner. see GREEK desmon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom deó Definition binding, bound NASB Translation prisoner (12), prisoners (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1198: δέσμιοςδέσμιος, δεσμιου, ὁ, bound, in bonds, a captive, a prisoner (from Sophocles down): Matthew 27:15; Mark 15:6; Acts 16:25, 27; Acts 23:18; Acts 25:14, 27; Acts 28:16 (R G), 17; Hebrews 10:34 G L T Tr text WH; Topical Lexicon Usage in the New Testament The term points to one who is physically bound, yet the contexts expand the idea to include spiritual testimony under constraint. It appears in narrative (e.g., the release custom surrounding Barabbas), in historical reporting of apostolic trials, and in epistolary self-identifications of Paul. It never carries the nuance of criminal guilt by itself; the bondage is defined by the surrounding circumstances—sometimes just, sometimes patently unjust. Gospels: The Prisoner Exchange That Foreshadows Redemption Matthew 27:15–17 and Mark 15:6–11 introduce the Roman Passover custom of releasing “a prisoner” (δέσμιον). Barabbas, a notorious insurrectionist, is set over against Jesus, the sinless One. In the crowd’s choice a poignant substitutionary picture emerges: the guilty goes free while the righteous is condemned. The term therefore participates in the Gospel writers’ larger theological aim of portraying Christ as the suffering Servant who bears the penalty of others. Acts: From Chains to Channels of the Gospel Luke uses the noun repeatedly to underscore how the gospel advances despite political opposition. Paul’s Self-Designation: Bonds for Christ and the Church Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; Philemon 1:1, 9; and 2 Timothy 1:8 record Paul calling himself “a prisoner of Christ Jesus.” His chains are interpreted theologically, not merely politically. They validate his apostolic authenticity and model joyful endurance for believers. “Therefore I, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received” (Ephesians 4:1). Bondage becomes a platform for exhortation and spiritual authority. Hebrews: Solidarity with the Bound Hebrews 10:34 commends readers who “sympathized with the prisoners,” and 13:3 urges, “Remember those in chains as if you were bound with them.” The word serves the epistle’s pastoral thrust: believers must practice persevering love under persecution, reflecting Christ’s own identification with the afflicted. Theological Themes 1. Redemptive Substitution: The innocent-for-guilty exchange in the Passion narratives echoes Isaiah’s prophecy of the Suffering Servant. Historical Background Roman custody ranged from harsh dungeon conditions (Philippi) to a soldier-guarded house arrest (Rome). Prisoners often depended on friends for food and necessities; hence the gratitude in Hebrews 10:34 and Paul’s reliance on companions (Acts 28:30). Understanding this setting magnifies the sacrificial nature of early Christian fellowship with the imprisoned. Pastoral and Missional Application • Encourage believers to view personal limitations as opportunities for gospel advance. Summary Strong’s 1198 portrays literal prisoners whose circumstances become living parables of redemption, mission, and endurance. From Jesus’ trial to Paul’s Roman chains, Scripture dignifies those in bonds and summons the church to courageous, compassionate identification with them, trusting that God’s purposes transcend every shackle. Forms and Transliterations δεσμιοι δέσμιοι δεσμιοις δεσμίοις δεσμιον δέσμιον δεσμιος δέσμιος δεσμιους δεσμίους δεσμιων δεσμίων desmioi désmioi desmiois desmíois desmion desmiōn desmíon desmíōn désmion desmios désmios desmious desmíousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 27:15 N-AMSGRK: τῷ ὄχλῳ δέσμιον ὃν ἤθελον NAS: [any] one prisoner whom KJV: a prisoner, whom INT: to the multitude prisoner whom they wished Matthew 27:16 N-AMS Mark 15:6 N-AMS Acts 16:25 N-NMP Acts 16:27 N-AMP Acts 23:18 N-NMS Acts 25:14 N-NMS Acts 25:27 N-AMS Acts 28:16 Noun-AMP Acts 28:17 N-NMS Ephesians 3:1 N-NMS Ephesians 4:1 N-NMS 2 Timothy 1:8 N-AMS Philemon 1:1 N-NMS Philemon 1:9 N-NMS Hebrews 10:34 N-DMP Hebrews 13:3 N-GMP Strong's Greek 1198 |
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