Topical Encyclopedia 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 1163. dei -- it is necessary 1195. desmeuo -- to bind together, to fetter 1189. deomai -- to want, entreat 4577. seira -- chain. 4676. soudarion -- a handkerchief, a head cloth (for the dead) 1299. diatasso -- to arrange thoroughly, ie to charge, appoint 476. antidikos -- an opponent, adversary 1210. deo -- to tie, bind 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 8193. saphah -- lip, speech, edge 4205. mazor -- a wound 6961. qaveh -- a line 6677. tsavvar -- neck, back of neck 481. alam -- to bind Library The Binding of Satan. Whether all Vows are Binding? Of the Binding and Loosing of the Devil. Whether the Key is the Power of Binding and Loosing, Etc. ? Whether an Oath Has a Binding Force? Whether an Oath is More Binding than a Vow? Whether Restitution is Binding on those who have not Taken? We are not Binding Heavy Burdens and Laying them Upon Your ... Whether the Judicial Precepts were those which Directed Man in ... Whether Matrimony Still Comes under a Precept? 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) Bind (68 Occurrences) Keys (2 Occurrences) Vow (49 Occurrences) Power (862 Occurrences) Word (8118 Occurrences) Mail (11 Occurrences) Bound (175 Occurrences) Bundle (8 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible mean by binding and loosing? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was betrothal in biblical times? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual mapping? | GotQuestions.org Binding: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Binding (23 Occurrences)Matthew 27:2 Mark 15:1 Acts 22:4 Romans 7:1 Hebrews 2:2 Hebrews 9:20 Genesis 37:7 Genesis 49:11 Exodus 28:32 Exodus 39:23 Leviticus 8:7 Numbers 30:2 Numbers 30:9 Numbers 30:13 Numbers 30:14 Joshua 2:17 Judges 16:21 Nehemiah 9:38 Job 26:8 Psalms 56:12 Psalms 147:3 Proverbs 26:8 Isaiah 30:26 Subtopics Related Terms |