Binding
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Definition and Usage:
In biblical terms, "binding" often refers to the act of securing, restraining, or obligating something or someone. This concept appears in various contexts throughout Scripture, including legal, spiritual, and metaphorical applications.

Old Testament Context:
In the Old Testament, binding is frequently associated with legal obligations and vows. For instance, in Numbers 30:2 , it is stated, "When a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." This highlights the seriousness of making vows and the binding nature of one's word before God.

Binding also appears in the context of physical restraint. In Judges 16:21, Samson is bound by the Philistines after being betrayed by Delilah: "Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes, and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison."

New Testament Context:
In the New Testament, the concept of binding takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus speaks of binding and loosing in Matthew 16:19 , saying to 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 is often interpreted as granting authority to the apostles, particularly in matters of church discipline and doctrine.

Binding is also used in the context of spiritual warfare. In Matthew 12:29 , Jesus explains, "Or how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Then he can plunder his house." Here, binding is metaphorically used to describe the subduing of demonic forces.

Theological Implications:
Theologically, binding is significant in understanding the authority given to believers, particularly in the context of prayer and spiritual authority. The act of binding and loosing is seen as a reflection of the church's authority to declare what is permitted or forbidden according to God's will.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In ancient Jewish culture, binding was a common legal term used in the context of contracts and vows. The Pharisees and scribes were known for their intricate rules regarding what was considered binding or non-binding, often criticized by Jesus for their legalism (Matthew 23:4).

Practical Application:
For believers, the concept of binding serves as a reminder of the power of words and commitments. It underscores the importance of integrity and the spiritual authority entrusted to the church. In prayer, binding is often invoked as a means of exercising authority over spiritual forces, aligning with the belief in the power of Christ's name to overcome evil.

Related Concepts:
· Loosing: Often paired with binding, loosing refers to the act of releasing or permitting, particularly in spiritual and doctrinal contexts.
· Vows and Oaths: Binding is closely related to the making and keeping of vows, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and accountability.
· Spiritual Authority: The authority to bind and loose is a key aspect of the believer's role in spiritual warfare and church governance.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bind.

2. (a.) That binds; obligatory.

3. (n.) The act or process of one who, or that which, binds.

4. (n.) Anything that binds; a bandage; the cover of a book, or the cover with the sewing, etc.; something that secures the edge of cloth from raveling.

5. (pl.) The transoms, knees, beams, keelson, and other chief timbers used for connecting and strengthening the parts of a vessel.

Greek
1198. desmios -- binding, bound
... binding, bound. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: desmios Phonetic
Spelling: (des'-mee-os) Short Definition: one bound, a prisoner Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1198.htm - 6k

2438. himas -- a thong, strap
... Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: himas Phonetic Spelling: (hee-mas') Short
Definition: a thong, strap Definition: a thong, strap, (a) for binding a man ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2438.htm - 6k

1163. dei -- it is necessary
... active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same;
both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) Necessary (as binding) -- behoved, be ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1163.htm - 7k

1195. desmeuo -- to bind together, to fetter
... together. Word Origin from desmos Definition to bind together, to fetter NASB
Word Usage binding (1), bound (1), tie (1). bind together. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1195.htm - 6k

1189. deomai -- to want, entreat
... beseech, pray to, make request. Middle voice of deo; to beg (as binding oneself),
ie Petition -- beseech, pray (to), make request. Compare punthanomai. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1189.htm - 7k

4577. seira -- chain.
... chain. Probably from suro through its congener eiro (to fasten; akin to haireomai);
a chain (as binding or drawing) -- chain. see GREEK suro. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4577.htm - 6k

4676. soudarion -- a handkerchief, a head cloth (for the dead)
... Of Latin origin; a sudarium (sweat-cloth), ie Towel (for wiping the perspiration
from the face, or binding the face of a corpse) -- handkerchief, napkin. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4676.htm - 6k

1299. diatasso -- to arrange thoroughly, ie to charge, appoint
... [Such an order also goes all the necessary proper "chain-of-command," which
further underlines its binding (authoritative) nature. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1299.htm - 8k

476. antidikos -- an opponent, adversary
... 476 () is a technical legal term used in antiquity of an adversary in a courtroom,
ie someone seeking official (formal, binding) damages. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/476.htm - 8k

1210. deo -- to tie, bind
... verb Definition to tie, bind NASB Word Usage bind (7), binding (1), binds (2), bound
(23), imprisoned (4), prisoners (1), put...in chains (1), tied (4). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1210.htm - 8k

Strong's Hebrew
632. issar -- a bond, binding obligation
... 631, 632. issar. 633 . a bond, binding obligation. Transliteration: issar
Phonetic Spelling: (es-sawr') Short Definition: obligation. ...
/hebrew/632.htm - 6k

1044. Beth-eqed -- "house of binding," a place in Palestine
... Beth-eqed. 1045 . "house of binding," a place in Palestine. Transliteration:
Beth-eqed Phonetic Spelling: (bayth ay'-ked) Short Definition: Beth-eked. ...
/hebrew/1044.htm - 6k

8193. saphah -- lip, speech, edge
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition lip, speech, edge NASB Word Usage babbling
(2), bank (10), binding (2), brim (9), edge (17), empty (2), gossip* (1 ...
/hebrew/8193.htm - 6k

4205. mazor -- a wound
... bound up, wound. Or mazor {maw-zore'}; from zuwr in the sense of binding up; a bandage,
ie Remedy; hence, a sore (as needing a compress) -- bound up, wound. ...
/hebrew/4205.htm - 6k

6961. qaveh -- a line
... line From qavah; a (measuring) cord (as if for binding) -- line. see HEBREW
qavah. 6960b, 6961. qaveh. 6961a . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6961.htm - 5k

6677. tsavvar -- neck, back of neck
... Song of Solomon 4:9) {tsav-vaw-rone'}; or (feminine) tsavva.rah (Micah 2:3)
{tsav-vaw-raw'}; intensively from tsuwr in the sense of binding; the back of the ...
/hebrew/6677.htm - 6k

481. alam -- to bind
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition to bind NASB Word Usage became
speechless (1), become mute (1), binding (1), mute (4), silent (1), speechless ( ...
/hebrew/481.htm - 6k

Library

The Binding of Satan.
... EXPOSITION OF THE APOCALYPSE. The Binding of Satan. "And I saw an angel descending
from heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand. ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the binding of satan.htm

Whether all Vows are Binding?
... SERVICE BY PROMISE (Q ) Whether all vows are binding? Objection 1: It would
seem that vows are not all binding. For man needs things ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether all vows are binding.htm

Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil.
... Book XX. Chapter 8."Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil. "After that,"
says John, "he must be loosed a little season." If ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 8 of the binding and.htm

Whether the Key is the Power of Binding and Loosing, Etc. ?
... OF THE POWER OF THE KEYS (THREE ARTICLES) Whether the key is the power
of binding and loosing, etc.? Objection 1: It would seem ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the key is the.htm

Whether an Oath Has a Binding Force?
... OF OATHS (TEN ARTICLES) Whether an oath has a binding force? Objection 1:
It would seem that an oath has no binding force. An oath ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an oath has a.htm

Whether an Oath is More Binding than a Vow?
... OF OATHS (TEN ARTICLES) Whether an oath is more binding than a vow? Objection
1: It would seem that an oath is more binding than a vow. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether an oath is more.htm

Whether Restitution is Binding on those who have not Taken?
... OF RESTITUTION (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether restitution is binding on those who
have not taken? Objection 1: It would seem that restitution ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether restitution is binding on.htm

We are not Binding Heavy Burdens and Laying them Upon Your ...
... Section 37. We are not binding heavy burdens and laying them upon your
shoulders? 37. We are not binding heavy burdens and laying ...
/.../augustine/of the work of monks /section 37 we are not.htm

Whether the Judicial Precepts were those which Directed Man in ...
... answer that, As is evident from what we have stated above ([2132]Q[95], A[2] ;[2133]
Q[99], A[4]), in every law, some precepts derive their binding force from ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the judicial precepts were.htm

Whether Matrimony Still Comes under a Precept?
... For a precept is binding so long as it is not recalled. ... Objection 2: Further,
the precepts of natural law are binding in respect of all time. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether matrimony still comes under.htm

Thesaurus
Binding (23 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Binding (23 Occurrences). Matthew 27:2 and binding Him
they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate the Governor. (WEY). ...
/b/binding.htm - 13k

Pinion (4 Occurrences)
... 7. (vt) To bind or confine the wings of; to confine by binding the wings. ... 9. (vt)
To disable or restrain, as a person, by binding the arms, esp. ...
/p/pinion.htm - 9k

Bind (68 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To protect or strengthen by a band or binding, as the edge of a carpet or
garment. ... 14. (vi) To exert a binding or restraining influence. 15. ...
/b/bind.htm - 32k

Keys (2 Occurrences)
... kez I. THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED 1. The Keys; and the Binding and Loosing 2. Meaning
of the Statements 3. How Peter Is Related to These Powers 4. Is the Primary ...
/k/keys.htm - 32k

Vow (49 Occurrences)
... find the making of vows regarded as a religious duty (Deuteronomy 23:22), but the
fulfilling of a vow was considered as a sacred and binding duty (Deuteronomy ...
/v/vow.htm - 27k

Power (862 Occurrences)
... kez I. THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED 1. The Keys; and the Binding and Loosing 2. Meaning
of the Statements 3. How Peter Is Related to These Powers 4. Is the Primary ...
/p/power.htm - 66k

Word (8118 Occurrences)
... sacred pages. Whatever the inspired writers here declare to be true and
binding upon us, God declares to be true and binding. This ...
/w/word.htm - 16k

Mail (11 Occurrences)
... Exodus 28:32 It shall have a hole for the head in its midst: it shall have a binding
of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that ...
/m/mail.htm - 11k

Bound (175 Occurrences)
... & pp of Bind. 14. (pp & a.) Restrained by a hand, rope, chain, fetters, or the like.
15. (pp & a.) Enclosed in a binding or cover; as, a bound volume. 16. ...
/b/bound.htm - 41k

Bundle (8 Occurrences)
... literally "bundle," just as the English word is derived from "bind" (Matthew
13:30); and plethos, properly "multitude." The custom of binding up precious ...
/b/bundle.htm - 10k

Resources
What does the Bible mean by binding and loosing? | GotQuestions.org

What was betrothal in biblical times? | GotQuestions.org

What is spiritual mapping? | GotQuestions.org

Binding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Binding (23 Occurrences)

Matthew 27:2
and binding Him they led Him away and handed Him over to Pilate the Governor.
(WEY)

Mark 15:1
Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him up to Pilate.
(See NAS)

Acts 22:4
I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Romans 7:1
Or don't you know, brothers (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law has dominion over a man for as long as he lives?
(See RSV)

Hebrews 2:2
For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense;
(See NIV)

Hebrews 9:20
saying, "This is the blood which confirms the Covenant that God has made binding upon you."
(WEY)

Genesis 37:7
for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Genesis 49:11
Binding his foal to the vine, his donkey's colt to the choice vine; he has washed his garments in wine, his robes in the blood of grapes.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT RSV)

Exodus 28:32
It shall have a hole for the head in its midst: it shall have a binding of woven work around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Exodus 39:23
The opening of the robe in its midst was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn.
(WEB JPS ASV DBY NAS RSV)

Leviticus 8:7
and doth put on him the coat, and doth gird him with the girdle, and doth clothe him with the upper robe, and doth put on him the ephod, and doth gird him with the girdle of the ephod, and doth bind 'it' to him with it,
(See RSV)

Numbers 30:2
When a man voweth a vow unto the LORD, or sweareth an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.
(See NAS)

Numbers 30:9
"But the vow of a widow, or of her who is divorced, even everything with which she has bound her soul, shall stand against her.
(See NIV)

Numbers 30:13
Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV)

Numbers 30:14
But if her husband altogether hold his peace at her from day to day, then he establishes all her vows, or all her bonds, which are on her: he has established them, because he held his peace at her in the day that he heard them.
(See NIV)

Joshua 2:17
The men said to her, "We will be guiltless of this your oath which you have made us to swear.
(See NIV)

Judges 16:21
And the Philistines seize him, and pick out his eyes, and bring him down to Gaza, and bind him with two brazen fetters; and he is grinding in the prison-house.
(See NIV)

Nehemiah 9:38
Yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal to it.
(See NIV)

Job 26:8
Binding up the waters in His thick clouds, And the cloud is not rent under them.
(YLT)

Psalms 56:12
Your vows are on me, God. I will give thank offerings to you.
(See NAS)

Psalms 147:3
Who is giving healing to the broken of heart, And is binding up their griefs.
(YLT)

Proverbs 26:8
As one who is binding a stone in a sling, So 'is' he who is giving honour to a fool.
(YLT)

Isaiah 30:26
And the light of the moon hath been as the light of the sun, And the light of the sun is sevenfold, As the light of seven days, In the day of Jehovah's binding up the breach of His people, When the stroke of its wound He healeth.
(YLT)

Subtopics

Binding

Related Terms

Binds (14 Occurrences)

Binding (23 Occurrences)

Parchment

Bindeth
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