Greek · Strong's G5438
φυλακή
phylakḗ (foo-lah-KAY)
noun, feminine
The act of guarding or keeping watch, a place of imprisonment, or a period of watch (like a night watch).
Phylakḗ carries a broad semantic range, referring to both the act of guarding and the place where one is guarded. Primarily, it denotes a “prison” or “jail,” a common experience for early Christians as seen in the book of Acts. This aspect highlights the physical confinement and suffering endured for their faith. The term also signifies a "guard" or "watch," describing the personnel responsible for security.
Beyond physical structures, phylakḗ can denote a “holding place” for evil spirits, as seen in Revelation, depicting confinement for spiritual entities. Additionally, it refers to a "watch" or "ward" in the sense of a division of time, particularly night watches, a concept familiar from military and temple duties. This temporal meaning emphasizes periods of vigilance or waiting.
In theological contexts, phylakḗ often underscores themes of persecution, endurance, and divine intervention. Believers are cast into prison, yet God often brings deliverance or uses the confinement for spiritual testimony. The experience of imprisonment becomes a testament to faith and a conduit for God's power. The varied uses of phylakḗ reveal the multifaceted experiences of the early church, from physical suffering to spiritual realities, all under the sovereign hand of God.
Common English renderings
- prison
- imprisonment
- ward
- watch
- cage
- hold
Key verses
"in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;"
Read in context →
"But an angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,"
Read in context →
"And when he had taken him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people."
Read in context →
"Fear not the things which thou art about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life."
Read in context →
"And he cried with a mighty voice, saying, Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and is become a habitation of demons, and a hold of every unclean spirit, and a hold of every unclean and hateful bird."
Read in context →
Related words