Lexical Summary desmótés: Prisoner, captive Original Word: δεσμώτης Strong's Exhaustive Concordance prisoner. From the same as desmoterion; (passively) a captive -- prisoner. see GREEK desmoterion NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom desmos Definition a prisoner NASB Translation prisoners (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1202: δεσμώτηςδεσμώτης, δεσμώτου, ὁ, one bound, a prisoner: Acts 27:1, 42. (Genesis 39:20; Baruch 1:9; Herodotus, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Thucydides, subsequent writers) Topical Lexicon Meaning and ScopeThe noun δεσμώτης (Strong’s Greek 1202) designates a person held in bonds—a prisoner. Though its New Testament appearances are limited, the concept it embodies runs through Scripture, highlighting both literal captivity and humanity’s deeper need for spiritual release. Occurrences in Scripture Acts 27:1 relates that Paul and “some other prisoners” were handed over to a centurion named Julius for transport to Rome. Acts 27:42 recounts the soldiers’ intent to kill “the prisoners” to prevent escape during the shipwreck. In each place the Berean Standard Bible renders the word as “the prisoners,” underscoring the real lives caught in Roman custody. Historical Background Under Roman law, prisoners were considered state property, and guards bore personal responsibility for any escape (compare Acts 12:19; Acts 16:27). Transporting detainees by sea was common when cases required appearance before Rome’s highest courts (Acts 25:11–12). Luke’s narrative highlights the precarious existence of such captives and the absolute power wielded by their military custodians. Theological Significance 1. Preservation of God’s Servant Although numbered among the δεσμώται, Paul remained under divine protection: “Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head” (Acts 27:34). Human chains could neither cancel God’s promises nor hinder the advance of the gospel (Philippians 1:12–14). 2. Mercy Over Judgment The centurion, “wanting to spare Paul,” overruled the soldiers (Acts 27:43). Through one righteous man the Lord spared all on board, echoing the biblical pattern in which blessing flows to many because of a faithful few (Genesis 39:5). 3. Signpost to Spiritual Liberation Physical captivity points to humanity’s bondage to sin. Jesus proclaimed liberty “to the captives” (Luke 4:18); the rescue of the Acts 27 δεσμώται foreshadows the greater deliverance secured by His death and resurrection. Practical Ministry Applications • Compassion for the incarcerated. Hebrews 13:3 urges believers to “remember those in prison as if you were bound with them.” Christ and His Prisoners Paul later styled himself “a prisoner of Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:1), transforming the notion of captivity. One may be chained physically yet free spiritually; indeed, Paul would “boast” in his chains for the sake of the gospel (Ephesians 6:20). Additional Biblical Witness Old Testament prophecy anticipates freedom for captives (Psalm 146:7; Isaiah 42:7), and Revelation 1:5 declares Jesus as the One who “has freed us from our sins by His blood.” These texts unite to affirm God’s purpose to liberate and give deeper resonance to the rare New Testament use of δεσμώτης. Contemporary Relevance Millions remain incarcerated worldwide. The Spirit who guided Paul’s storm-tossed vessel still calls the church to bring Scripture, prayer, and restorative care to modern prisons. Wherever believers carry hope into a cell, the narrative of Acts 27 lives on, and present-day δεσμώται encounter the gospel that alone can turn captives into worshipers. Forms and Transliterations δεσμώται δεσμωτας δεσμώτας δεσμώτου δεσπόζει δεσπόζεις δεσπόζοντι δεσποτεία desmotas desmōtas desmṓtasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 27:1 N-AMPGRK: τινας ἑτέρους δεσμώτας ἑκατοντάρχῃ ὀνόματι NAS: other prisoners to a centurion KJV: other prisoners unto [one] named INT: certain other prisoners to a centurion by name Acts 27:42 N-AMP |
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