Topical Encyclopedia The term "bind" in the Bible carries significant theological and practical implications, appearing in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. It is used both literally and metaphorically, often symbolizing authority, obligation, or restriction.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, "bind" frequently appears in the context of physical binding or tying. For example, in Genesis 22:9, Abraham "bound" Isaac as he prepared to offer him as a sacrifice, demonstrating obedience and submission to God's command. The act of binding here signifies a deep trust in God's provision and promises. Binding is also associated with the law and commandments. In Deuteronomy 6:8, the Israelites are instructed to "bind" the commandments as a sign on their hands and as frontlets between their eyes. This metaphorical use emphasizes the importance of keeping God's laws ever-present in daily life, symbolizing commitment and constant remembrance. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the concept of binding takes on additional spiritual dimensions. Jesus speaks of binding in the context of spiritual authority and church discipline. In Matthew 16:19, He tells Peter, "I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." This passage highlights the authority given to the apostles and, by extension, the church, to make binding decisions in spiritual matters. Similarly, in Matthew 18:18, Jesus reiterates this authority to the broader group of disciples, emphasizing the communal aspect of church discipline and decision-making. The act of binding and loosing here is understood as the church's authority to declare what is permitted or forbidden, reflecting heaven's will on earth. Spiritual Warfare Binding is also a term used in the context of spiritual warfare. In Matthew 12:29, Jesus speaks of binding the "strong man" before plundering his house, illustrating the power and authority of Christ over demonic forces. This metaphor underscores the necessity of spiritual authority and the victory of Christ over evil. Symbolic and Prophetic Uses The prophets often used binding as a symbol of judgment or captivity. In Ezekiel 3:25, God tells Ezekiel that he will be bound with ropes, symbolizing the restrictions placed upon him as a prophet. This act serves as a sign to the people of Israel of their impending judgment and captivity due to their disobedience. Binding in Covenants and Oaths Binding is also associated with covenants and oaths, signifying a solemn commitment. In Numbers 30:2, a man who makes a vow to the Lord is instructed not to break his word but to do everything he has promised, illustrating the binding nature of vows and the importance of faithfulness. Conclusion Throughout the Bible, the concept of binding is rich with meaning, encompassing themes of authority, obedience, spiritual warfare, and covenantal faithfulness. Whether used literally or metaphorically, binding serves as a powerful reminder of the commitments and responsibilities that come with faith in God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To tie, or confine with a cord, band, ligature, chain, etc.; to fetter; to make fast; as, to bind grain in bundles; to bind a prisoner.2. (v. t.) To confine, restrain, or hold by physical force or influence of any kind; as, attraction binds the planets to the sun; frost binds the earth, or the streams. 3. (v. t.) To cover, as with a bandage; to bandage or dress; -- sometimes with up; as, to bind up a wound. 4. (v. t.) To make fast (a thing) about or upon something, as by tying; to encircle with something; as, to bind a belt about one; to bind a compress upon a part. 5. (v. t.) To prevent or restrain from customary or natural action; as, certain drugs bind the bowels. 6. (v. t.) To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge of a carpet or garment. 7. (v. t.) To sew or fasten together, and enclose in a cover; as, to bind a book. 8. (v. t.) Fig.: To oblige, restrain, or hold, by authority, law, duty, promise, vow, affection, or other moral tie; as, to bind the conscience; to bind by kindness; bound by affection; commerce binds nations to each other. 9. (v. t.) To bring (any one) under definite legal obligations; esp. under the obligation of a bond or covenant. 10. (v. t.) To place under legal obligation to serve; to indenture; as, to bind an apprentice; -- sometimes with out; as, bound out to service. 11. (v. i.) To tie; to confine by any ligature. 12. (v. i.) To contract; to grow hard or stiff; to cohere or stick together in a mass; as, clay binds by heat. 13. (v. i.) To be restrained from motion, or from customary or natural action, as by friction. 14. (v. i.) To exert a binding or restraining influence. 15. (n.) That which binds or ties. 16. (n.) Any twining or climbing plant or stem, esp. a hop vine. 17. (n.) Indurate clay, when much mixed with the oxide of iron. 18. (n.) A ligature or tie for grouping notes. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BIND; BOUNDbind (deo): There are a number of Hebrew words used to express this word in its various meanings, 'alam (Genesis 37:7), 'acar (Genesis 42:24), qashar (Deuteronomy 6:8). It sometimes means "to attach," "to fasten" (Exodus 28:28 Deuteronomy 14:25). It was used also with reference to an agreement in a judicial sense (Numbers 30:2, 3), or to make one a prisoner (Judges 16:10 Psalm 149:8). It means also "to control" (Job 38:31). Greek 1210. deo -- to tie, bind ... to tie, bind. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: deo Phonetic Spelling: (deh'-o) Short Definition: I bind Definition: I bind, tie, fasten; I impel, compel; ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1210.htm - 8k 1195. desmeuo -- to bind together, to fetter 4887. sundeo -- to bind together 2611. katadeo -- to bind up 1196. desmeo -- bind, shackle 5265. hupodeo -- to bind under 4019. perideo -- to tie around 332. anathematizo -- to declare anathema, devote to destruction 2722. katecho -- to hold fast, hold back 4385. proteino -- to stretch out Strong's Hebrew 2280. chabash -- to bind, bind on, bind up... 2279, 2280. chabash. 2281 . to bind, bind on, bind up. Transliteration: chabash Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-bash') Short Definition: saddled. Word Origin a prim ... /hebrew/2280.htm - 6k 631. asar -- to tie, bind, imprison 6029. anad -- to bind (around or upon) 7405. rakas -- to bind 7194. qashar -- to bind, league together, conspire 3729. kephath -- to bind 7576. rathaq -- to bind 7573. ratham -- to bind, attach 6123. aqad -- to bind 8244. saqad -- perhaps to bind on Library The Power to Bind on Earth and in Heaven. Whether the Priest Can Bind through the Power of the Keys? Whether Children Can Bind Themselves by Vow to Enter Religion? I Bind unto Myself Today Whether the Priest Can Bind and Loose According to his Own ... Whether the Judicial Precepts of the Old Law Bind for Ever? Of Marriage Between Blood-Relations, in Regard to which the ... "Admirably," Exclaimed Postumianus, "Does Your Speech Bind those ... Canon Cii. It Behoves those who have Received from God the Power ... In what Sense the "Keys" are Given to Peter, and Every Peter. ... Thesaurus Bind (68 Occurrences)... 1. (vt) To tie, or confine with a cord, band, ligature, chain, etc.; to fetter; to make fast; as, to bind grain in bundles; to bind a prisoner. ... /b/bind.htm - 32k Tie (18 Occurrences) Frontlets (3 Occurrences) Bundle (8 Occurrences) Loosed (41 Occurrences) Binding (23 Occurrences) Girdle (44 Occurrences) Obligate (2 Occurrences) Tied (33 Occurrences) Ties (7 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean to bind the strong man? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean by binding and loosing? | GotQuestions.org How could the laws of God be written on doorframes, gates, and foreheads? | GotQuestions.org Bind: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Bind (68 Occurrences)Matthew 12:29 Matthew 13:30 Matthew 14:3 Matthew 16:19 Matthew 18:18 Matthew 22:13 Matthew 23:4 Mark 3:27 Mark 5:3 Mark 15:17 John 20:23 Acts 9:14 Acts 12:8 Acts 21:11 1 Peter 5:5 Revelation 20:2 Exodus 28:28 Exodus 29:9 Exodus 39:21 Leviticus 8:7 Numbers 30:2 Numbers 30:3 Deuteronomy 6:8 Deuteronomy 11:18 Deuteronomy 14:25 Joshua 2:18 Judges 15:10 Judges 15:12 Judges 15:13 Judges 16:5 Judges 16:7 Judges 16:11 Judges 16:21 1 Samuel 6:10 1 Kings 18:44 2 Kings 12:10 2 Chronicles 33:11 Nehemiah 10:29 Job 30:18 Job 31:36 Job 38:31 Job 39:10 Job 40:13 Job 41:5 Psalms 105:22 Psalms 118:27 Psalms 119:61 Psalms 149:8 Proverbs 3:3 Proverbs 6:21 Proverbs 7:3 Isaiah 8:16 Isaiah 22:21 Isaiah 49:18 Isaiah 56:6 Isaiah 61:1 Jeremiah 30:13 Jeremiah 50:5 Jeremiah 51:63 Ezekiel 3:25 Ezekiel 5:3 Ezekiel 24:17 Ezekiel 30:21 Ezekiel 34:16 Daniel 3:20 Hosea 6:1 Hosea 10:10 Micah 1:13 Subtopics Related Terms |