"that which binds together, Col. 2:19; a band of union, Eph. 4:3; Col. 3:14; a bundle, or, bond, Acts 8:23*"
Definition and meaning
that which binds together, Col. 2:19; a band of union, Eph. 4:3; Col. 3:14; a bundle, or, bond, Acts 8:23*
In the original Greek the word is written: σύνδεσμος
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of syndesmos (G4886) across the King James Bible.
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
And not holding the Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God.
And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
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Common questions
Strong's G4886 (syndesmos) is a Greek word that means: that which binds together, Col. 2:19; a band of union, Eph. 4:3; Col. 3:14; a bundle, or, bond, Acts 8:23* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word syndesmos (G4886) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4886 is syndesmos, a Greek word defined as: that which binds together, Col. 2:19; a band of union, Eph. 4:3; Col. 3:14; a bundle, or, bond, Acts 8:23*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
syndesmos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.