Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "binds" carries significant theological and symbolic meanings, often associated with authority, covenant, and spiritual warfare. The concept of binding is frequently juxtaposed with loosing, both of which are actions that denote control, restriction, or liberation.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, binding is often related to physical restraint or the making of vows and covenants. For example, in Numbers 30:2 , it is stated, "If a man makes a vow to the LORD or swears an oath to bind himself with a pledge, he must not break his word; he must do everything he has promised." Here, binding is associated with the solemn commitment of one's word to God, emphasizing the seriousness and inviolability of vows. Binding is also seen in the context of justice and punishment. In Judges 16:21, Samson is bound by the Philistines: "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." This physical binding signifies the loss of freedom and strength, serving as a consequence of Samson's betrayal of his Nazirite vow. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the concept of binding takes on a more spiritual dimension. Jesus speaks of binding and loosing in Matthew 16:19 : "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 Church, particularly in matters of doctrine and discipline, reflecting the power to establish or prohibit actions within the Christian community. Binding is also a key element in 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 the "strong man" is symbolic of overcoming demonic forces, illustrating the authority of Christ over evil. Theological Implications Theologically, binding is closely linked to the authority given by God to His people. It represents the power to enforce divine will, whether through the establishment of covenants, the exercise of church discipline, or the engagement in spiritual warfare. The act of binding is not merely a physical or legal action but a spiritual exercise that reflects the believer's alignment with God's purposes. Symbolism and Metaphor Binding is also used metaphorically to describe the constraints of sin and the liberation found in Christ. In Romans 7:2 , Paul uses the metaphor of marriage to explain the binding nature of the law: "For a married woman is bound by law to her husband as long as he lives; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law of marriage." This illustrates the binding nature of the law and the freedom that comes through Christ's redemptive work. In summary, the concept of "binds" in the Bible encompasses a range of meanings from physical restraint to spiritual authority, reflecting the multifaceted nature of God's interaction with humanity. Through binding, believers are called to uphold divine truth, exercise spiritual authority, and live in the freedom granted by Christ. Greek 4886. sundesmos -- that which binds together, ie a bond ... that which binds together, ie a bond. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: sundesmos Phonetic Spelling: (soon'-des-mos) Short Definition: a band ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4886.htm - 7k 1210. deo -- to tie, bind 1845. exorkistes -- an exorcist Strong's Hebrew 6887a. tsarar -- to bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or ...... root Definition to bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, or cramped NASB Word Usage afflicted (1), besiege (3), besieges (1), bind (1), binds (1), bound ... /hebrew/6887a.htm - 6k 247. azar -- to gird, encompass, equip 631. asar -- to tie, bind, imprison 2280. chabash -- to bind, bind on, bind up Library I Beware when Slumber Binds Thee That Perfect Love Binds to God Without Loosing and Makes Man ... Whether Human Law Binds a Man in Conscience? Blest be the Tie that Binds Whether the Priest Can Bind through the Power of the Keys? Whether an Oath is More Binding than a Vow? The Satisfier of all Desires Sanctified by Faith. The Right Understanding of the Law Whether Marriage Already Contracted Should be Annulled by the ... Thesaurus Binds (14 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Binds (14 Occurrences). ... Job 5:18 For he wounds, and binds up. He injures, and his hands make whole. (WEB RSV NIV). ... /b/binds.htm - 9k Binding (23 Occurrences) Bind (68 Occurrences) Bond (32 Occurrences) Lace (7 Occurrences) Ties (7 Occurrences) Binder (3 Occurrences) Bargain (7 Occurrences) Band (150 Occurrences) Wounds (57 Occurrences) Resources What is the Jedi religion / Jediism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Abrahamic Covenant? | GotQuestions.org What is laminin? Is there any significance to laminin being in the shape of a cross? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Binds (14 Occurrences)Matthew 12:29 Mark 3:27 Colossians 3:14 Numbers 30:3 Job 5:18 Job 12:18 Job 26:8 Job 28:11 Job 30:18 Job 36:13 Psalms 129:7 Psalms 147:3 Proverbs 26:8 Isaiah 30:26 Subtopics Related Terms |