UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: bonds, chains, fetters

Semantic entry: 6.14

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Instruments Used in Binding and Fastening

Definition: any instrument or means of binding or tying; used for binding objects together or restraining prisoners

Notes: In translating RV ACT 16:26 · LV ACT 16:26 · Read together ACT 16:26 one may often use a descriptive phrase, for example, ‘those things that bound them’ or ‘things with which they were tied.’ It is generally more satisfactory, however, to employ wherever possible a more specific referent, for example, ‘ropes,’ ‘chains’ or ‘fetters.’

Further resources: realia:3.21.4

Sense 2: to be in prison, imprisonment

Semantic entry: 37.115

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Imprison

Definition: (figurative extension of meaning of δεσμός[a] ‘bonds,’ 6.14: δεσμός) the state of being in prison

Notes: The state of being a prisoner is often expressed somewhat idiomatically, for example, ‘to be tied hand and foot,’ ‘to be chained like a dog,’ or ‘to look through iron bars.’

Sense 3: illness

Semantic entry: 23.156

Semantic domains: Physiological Processes and States

Subdomains: Sickness, Disease, Weakness

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of δεσμός[a] ‘bond,’ 6.14: δεσμός) a state of physical incapacity or illness, usually as the result of some controlling supernatural force (in RV LUK 13:16 · LV LUK 13:16 · Read together LUK 13:16, the result of the activity of Satan)