Topical Bible: Bonds

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical context, "bonds" often refer to physical restraints such as chains or fetters, symbolizing imprisonment or captivity. The term is used both literally and metaphorically throughout the Scriptures to convey various spiritual and moral truths.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, bonds are frequently associated with the physical captivity of individuals or groups. For example, Joseph was bound in chains when he was sold into slavery by his brothers (Genesis 37:28). The psalmist reflects on this experience, stating, "They bruised his feet with shackles; his neck was put in irons" (Psalm 105:18). Here, bonds signify the suffering and trials that Joseph endured before his eventual rise to power in Egypt.

The concept of bonds also appears in the context of divine judgment and deliverance. In Isaiah 52:2, the prophet calls Jerusalem to "shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, Daughter Zion, now a captive" . This imagery of breaking bonds symbolizes liberation from oppression and the restoration of God's people.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, bonds often refer to the imprisonment of the apostles and early Christians due to their faith. The Apostle Paul frequently mentions his own bonds, which he endured for the sake of the Gospel. In Ephesians 6:20, Paul writes, "for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should" . Here, bonds are a testament to Paul's commitment to spreading the message of Christ, despite the personal cost.

Paul's letters from prison, often called the "Prison Epistles," including Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon, were written while he was in bonds. These letters emphasize the power of the Gospel to transcend physical limitations and encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Metaphorical and Spiritual Significance

Beyond the literal sense, bonds are used metaphorically to describe spiritual conditions. In Romans 7:23, Paul speaks of being "a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me" , illustrating the internal struggle against sin that binds humanity. This metaphorical use of bonds highlights the need for spiritual liberation through Christ.

The theme of breaking bonds is central to the message of salvation. Jesus Christ is portrayed as the one who frees individuals from the bondage of sin and death. In Luke 4:18, Jesus declares, "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free" . This mission statement underscores the redemptive work of Christ in liberating those who are spiritually bound.

Conclusion

In summary, the concept of bonds in the Bible encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions. It serves as a powerful symbol of captivity and liberation, reflecting the human condition and the transformative power of God's grace through Jesus Christ.

Greek

254. halusis -- a chain
... bonds, chain. Of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle -- bonds, chain. (alusei) --
2 Occurrences. (aluseis) -- 2 Occurrences. (alusesi) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/254.htm - 6k

1399. doule -- female slave, bondmaid.
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: doule Phonetic Spelling: (doo'-lay)
Short Definition: a female slave, bonds-maid Definition: a female slave ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1399.htm - 6k

1210. deo -- to tie, bind
... bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. A primary verb; to bind (in various applications,
literally or figuratively) -- bind, be in bonds, knit, tie, wind. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1210.htm - 8k

1199. desmos -- a band, bond
... Word Origin from deo Definition a band, bond NASB Word Usage bond (1), bonds (3),
chains (3), impediment (1), imprisonment (10). ligament, chain, string. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1199.htm - 6k

1198. desmios -- binding, bound
... prisoner. From desmon; a captive (as bound) -- in bonds, prisoner. see GREEK
desmon. (desmioi) -- 1 Occurrence. (desmiois) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1198.htm - 6k

Strong's Hebrew

4575a. maadannoth -- bonds, bands
... maadannoth. 4575b . bonds, bands. Transliteration: maadannoth Short Definition:
chains. ... from anad Definition bonds, bands NASB Word Usage chains (1). ...
/hebrew/4575a.htm - 5k

4575b. maadannoth -- perhaps in bonds or fetters
... 4575a, 4575b. maadannoth. 4576 . perhaps in bonds or fetters. Transliteration:
maadannoth Short Definition: cheerfully. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/4575b.htm - 5k

4575. ma'adannah -- bonds, bands
ma'adannah. 4574, 4575. ma'adannah. 4575a . bonds, bands. Transliteration:
ma'adannah Phonetic Spelling: (mah-ad-an-naw') Short Definition: influence. influence ...
/hebrew/4575.htm - 5k

2784. chartsubbah -- bond, fetter, pang
... 2783, 2784. chartsubbah. 2785 . bond, fetter, pang. Transliteration: chartsubbah
Phonetic Spelling: (khar-tsoob-baw') Short Definition: bonds. ...
/hebrew/2784.htm - 5k

4147. moser -- a band, bond
... moser or moserah or moserah. 4148 . a band, bond. Transliteration: moser or moserah
or moserah Phonetic Spelling: (mo-sare') Short Definition: bonds. ...
/hebrew/4147.htm - 6k

612. esur -- a band, bond
... 611, 612. esur. 613 . a band, bond. Transliteration: esur Phonetic Spelling:
(ay-soor') Short Definition: bonds. Word Origin from ...
/hebrew/612.htm - 6k

631. asar -- to tie, bind, imprison
... by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle -- bind, fast, gird, harness,
hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array ...
/hebrew/631.htm - 6k

5688. aboth -- cord, rope, cordage
... Word Origin from abath Definition cord, rope, cordage NASB Word Usage bonds
(1), clouds (1), cordage (3), corded (1), cords (8), ropes (8). ...
/hebrew/5688.htm - 6k

Library

And How Thou Didst Deliver Me Out of the Bonds of Desire...
... Book VIII Chapter VI And how Thou didst deliver me out of the bonds of
desire? And how Thou didst deliver me out of the bonds ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter vi and how thou.htm

The Death of Salome. The Cities which Herod and Philip Built. ...
... Pilate Occasions Disturbances. Tiberius Puts Agrippa Into Bonds But Caius Frees
Him From Them, And Makes Him King. Herod Antipas Is Banished. ...
/.../chapter 9 the death of.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... CHAPTER 10. How The Soldiers, Both In Judea And Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian
Emperor; And How Vespasian Released Josephus From His Bonds. ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

LM Caroline Sewall. Remember them who are in Bonds.
... VIII. VARIOUS OCCASIONS. 438. LM Caroline Sewall. Remember Them Who Are in
Bonds. 1 Lord, when Thine ancient people cried, Oppressed ...
/.../book of hymns for public and private devotion/438 l m caroline sewall.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... i.29.) But when he wrote to them, it happened that he was in bonds. Therefore
he says, "So that my bonds became manifest in Christ ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom.htm

Personal Service
... "O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant and the son of thine handmaid
thou hast loosed my bonds.""Psalm 116:16. THESE SENTENCES SUGGEST a contrast. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/personal service.htm

Concerning Free-Will
... legend of the Greeks, when he wished to hear the song of the Sirens, on account
of the charm of their voluptuous voice, sailed to Sicily in bonds, and stopped ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/methodius/concerning free-will/concerning free-will.htm

Caesar's Household
... into the imperial halls. Paul is in bonds as an evildoer; but "the word
of God is not bound." 2 Timothy 2:9. In former years the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 44 caesars household.htm

The First Last, and the Last First
... David says, "O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine
handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds." Because our bonds are loosed, we are ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the first last and the.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... Holy indeed are all the Epistles of Paul: but some advantage have those which he
sent after he was in bonds: those, for instance, to the Ephesians and Philemon ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

Thesaurus

Bonds (46 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bonds (46 Occurrences). ... Acts 20:23 except that the Holy
Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me. ...
/b/bonds.htm - 19k

Praetorian (2 Occurrences)
... PRAETORIAN GUARD. pre-to'-ri-an: "My bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace,
and in all other, places" (Philippians 1:13 the King James Version). ...
/p/praetorian.htm - 15k

Band (150 Occurrences)
... (e) (chartsubboth): bands (the Revised Version (British and American) "bonds") of
wickedness (Isaiah 58:6); bands (= pains) in death (Psalm 73:4); the Revised ...
/b/band.htm - 50k

Burst (33 Occurrences)
... Psalms 2:3 "Let's break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us." (See RSV). ...
But these with one accord have broken the yoke, and burst the bonds. ...
/b/burst.htm - 17k

Vows (38 Occurrences)
... Numbers 30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he hears, none of her
vows, or of her bonds with which she has bound her soul, shall stand: and ...
/v/vows.htm - 19k

Obligations (10 Occurrences)
... Numbers 30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he hears, none of her
vows, or of her bonds with which she has bound her soul, shall stand: and ...
/o/obligations.htm - 9k

Imprisoned (19 Occurrences)
... Acts 24:27 But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus,
and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds. ...
/i/imprisoned.htm - 11k

Fetters (21 Occurrences)
... there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken;
and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened. ...
/f/fetters.htm - 12k

Pledges (15 Occurrences)
... Numbers 30:5 But if her father disallow her in the day that he hears, none of her
vows, or of her bonds with which she has bound her soul, shall stand: and ...
/p/pledges.htm - 10k

Festus (14 Occurrences)
... and his sister Bernice, and not finding in him anything worthy of death or of bonds,
would have set him free had he not appealed unto Caesar (Acts 25:11, 12). ...
/f/festus.htm - 15k

Resources

What is soul care? What is care of the soul? | GotQuestions.org

What is the significance of Babylon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Should Christians celebrate Father's Day? | GotQuestions.org

Bonds: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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

Concordance

Bonds (46 Occurrences)

Luke 8:29
For he had commanded the unclean spirit to go out from the man. For very often it had seized him; and he had been bound, kept with chains and fetters; and breaking the bonds he was driven by the demon into the deserts.
(DBY YLT NAS RSV)

Acts 16:26
Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened.
(WEB DBY)

Acts 20:23
except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS)

Acts 22:5
As also the high priest and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and traveled to Damascus to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.
(WEB ASV RSV)

Acts 22:30
But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from the bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul down and set him before them.
(WEB YLT)

Acts 23:29
Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Acts 24:27
But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.
(WEB ASV)

Acts 25:14
And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
(KJV WBS)

Acts 26:29
Paul said, "I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these bonds."
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Acts 26:31
When they had withdrawn, they spoke one to another, saying, "This man does nothing worthy of death or of bonds."
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Ephesians 6:20
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
(KJV WBS)

Philippians 1:7
It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Philippians 1:13
so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Philippians 1:14
and that most of the brothers in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Philippians 1:16
The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:
(KJV WBS YLT)

Philippians 1:17
but the other proclaim Christ of faction, not sincerely, thinking to raise up affliction for me in my bonds.
(ASV DBY)

Colossians 4:3
praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;
(WEB KJV ASV WBS)

Colossians 4:18
The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

2 Timothy 2:9
Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Philemon 1:10
I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Philemon 1:13
Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Hebrews 10:34
For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.
(KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Hebrews 11:36
Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Hebrews 13:3
Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body.
(WEB KJV ASV WBS YLT)

Jude 1:6
Angels who didn't keep their first domain, but deserted their own dwelling place, he has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.
(WEB WEY ASV YLT NAS)

Numbers 30:5
But if her father disallow her in the day that he hears, none of her vows, or of her bonds with which she has bound her soul, shall stand: and Yahweh will forgive her, because her father disallowed her.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

Numbers 30:7
and her husband hear it, and hold his peace at her in the day that he hears it; then her vows shall stand, and her bonds with which she has bound her soul shall stand.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

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.
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS YLT)

2 Kings 23:33
Pharaoh Necoh put him in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of one hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.
(WEB ASV RSV)

Ezra 7:26
and any who doth not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, speedily is judgment done upon him, whether to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of riches, and to bonds.'
(YLT)

Job 12:18
He looseth the bond of kings, and bindeth their loins with a girdle.
(See RSV)

Job 39:5
"Who has set the wild donkey free? Or who has loosened the bonds of the swift donkey,
(WEB ASV NAS RSV)

Psalms 2:3
"Let's break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us."
(WEB ASV DBY RSV)

Psalms 69:33
For Yahweh hears the needy, and doesn't despise his captive people.
(See RSV)

Psalms 107:14
He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bonds in sunder.
(WEB ASV RSV)

Psalms 116:16
O LORD, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
(KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)

Isaiah 28:22
Now therefore don't be scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Lord, Yahweh of Armies, on the whole earth.
(WEB ASV DBY RSV)

Isaiah 52:2
Shake yourself from the dust; arise, sit on your throne, Jerusalem: loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive daughter of Zion.
(WEB ASV RSV)

Isaiah 58:6
"Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?
(WEB ASV NAS RSV)

Jeremiah 2:20
For of old time I have broken your yoke, and burst your bonds; and you said, I will not serve; for on every high hill and under every green tree you bowed yourself, playing the prostitute.
(WEB ASV NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 5:5
I will get me to the great men, and will speak to them; for they know the way of Yahweh, and the law of their God. But these with one accord have broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Jeremiah 27:2
Thus says Yahweh to me: Make bonds and bars, and put them on your neck;
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS)

Jeremiah 30:8
It shall come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will break his yoke from off your neck, and will burst your bonds; and strangers shall no more make him their bondservant;
(WEB KJV ASV DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV)

Hosea 10:10
When it is my desire, I will chastise them; and the nations will be gathered against them, when they are bound to their two transgressions.
(See NIV)

Hosea 11:4
I drew them with cords of a man, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to him and I fed him.
(See NAS)

Nahum 1:13
Now will I break his yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart."
(WEB KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS RSV)

Subtopics

Bonds

Related Terms

Bond-servant (14 Occurrences)

Oh (164 Occurrences)

Wishes (37 Occurrences)

Christ's (64 Occurrences)

Underlies (1 Occurrence)

Freedman (1 Occurrence)

Teachings (34 Occurrences)

Desires (151 Occurrences)