In biblical literature, the concept of "bindings" encompasses both physical and metaphorical elements, often symbolizing control, obligation, or covenant. The term can refer to literal bindings, such as ropes or chains, as well as spiritual or moral obligations that bind individuals or communities to certain behaviors or covenants.

Physical Bindings

Physical bindings are frequently mentioned in the Bible, often in the context of captivity or restraint. For example, Samson was bound with ropes by the Philistines, yet he broke free through the strength given by God (Judges 15:13-14). Similarly, the Apostle Paul experienced physical bindings during his imprisonments, which he endured for the sake of the Gospel (Acts 21:33).

Spiritual and Moral Bindings

Beyond the physical, the Bible speaks of spiritual and moral bindings. These are often related to the covenants between God and His people. The Mosaic Law, for instance, served as a binding agreement between God and Israel, outlining the moral and ceremonial obligations of the Israelites (Exodus 24:7-8). In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the binding and loosing authority given to the apostles, symbolizing the power to establish or prohibit certain practices within the church (Matthew 18:18).

Covenantal Bindings

Covenantal bindings are central to the biblical narrative. The Abrahamic Covenant, for example, was a binding promise from God to Abraham, ensuring blessings and a multitude of descendants (Genesis 17:1-8). This covenant was marked by the physical sign of circumcision, a binding act that set apart the people of Israel.

Metaphorical Bindings

Metaphorically, bindings can represent the constraints of sin or the liberation found in Christ. The Apostle Paul describes the law as a binding force that reveals sin but cannot save (Romans 7:6). In contrast, believers are called to be bound to Christ, experiencing freedom through His redemptive work (Romans 6:18).

Binding in Worship and Practice

In worship and religious practice, bindings can refer to vows or oaths made before God. Such commitments are taken seriously, as breaking them is seen as a violation of one's word and relationship with God (Numbers 30:2). The binding nature of vows underscores the importance of integrity and faithfulness in one's spiritual walk.

Conclusion

The concept of bindings in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing physical restraints, spiritual obligations, and covenantal commitments. Whether through the literal chains of captivity or the metaphorical bonds of sin and redemption, bindings serve as a powerful symbol of the human condition and the divine relationship.

Letter v. Society --Conversation.
... the book-shelves were to be in the splendid new house being built by her father,
and suggesting that the shelves would look nice if the books had nice bindings ...
/.../letter v societyconversation.htm

The Editions of Salvian's Works
... of the present demand for editions of Salvian, that Pithou's original edition could
be had recently at a lower price than obscure editions with better bindings ...
/.../salvian/on the government of god/vi the editions of salvians.htm

The with Christ Series
... The bindings are unique and attractive, and the price, which, in view of the fact
that this is the authorized edition, upon which royalties are paid to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/weighed and wanting/the with christ series.htm

The Henkels.
... need of verses, they composed them; when in need of woodcuts, they cut in wood;
after the books were printed, they bound them; and when the bindings had dried ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/the henkels.htm

But You Err, Says My Opponent, and are Mistaken...
... be impaled. [4712] Lit., "bindings.". [4713] So Gelenius, Canterus, Elm.,
Oberth., and Orelli, reading nobilitent. No satisfactory ...
/.../the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/17 but you err says.htm

Eusebius: Constantine. General Index.
... Bassianus, [3191]417, note. Bethlehem, erection of church in, [3192]530. [3193]531,
[3194]594. Bindings, elaborate, [3195]549. "Bishop," C. as, [3196]546. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/eusebius constantine general index.htm

A Comparison of Constantine's Piety with the Wickedness Of
... is a satisfactory paraphrase. [3226] Their bindings were adorned with precious stones
according to Cedrenus. Compare Prolegomena, Character, Magnificence. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter i a comparison of constantines.htm

Selection
... John Virtue, DD, Bishop of Portsmouth.8vo. 6th edition 0 3 0. And in other bindings.
COLERIDGE, REV. HJ (SJ) (See Quarterly Series.). DEVAS, CS. ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/selection.htm

The Christian Life
... But that is a poor, superficial classification. It is like taking and arranging
books by their bindings and flowers by their colours. ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the christian life.htm

Manuscripts of the Septuagint.
... by printing in his Appendix Codicum certain fragments of Genesis and Numbers which
had been discovered by the Archimandrite Porfirius in the bindings of other ...
/.../chapter v manuscripts of the.htm

Bindings (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bindings (1 Occurrence). Judges 15:14 When he
came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him: and ...
/b/bindings.htm - 6k

Binds (14 Occurrences)

/b/binds.htm - 9k

Binding (23 Occurrences)

/b/binding.htm - 13k

Parchment
... Scrolls were later replaced by codices of the same material. After the arabs introduced
paper, parchment was still used for centuries for the book bindings. ...
/p/parchment.htm - 8k

What is the Ryrie Study Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Samson in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the Gospel of Thomas? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus