Brief Overview of ἅλυσις (G254)

ἅλυσις (halysis) is a Greek noun meaning “a bond” or “a chain.” It refers to physical or metaphorical binding or confinement. The term can denote the act of fastening or restraining something, and it is used to describe both literal chains and metaphorical bonds that constrain or limit.

1. Meaning:

• Physical Chains: Refers to literal chains or bonds used to restrain or imprison.
• Metaphorical Bonds: Used metaphorically to represent anything that confines or restricts, such as constraints or limitations.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἅλυσις as “a chain” or “bond,” used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It describes physical chains used for imprisonment as well as figurative uses where the term represents constraints or limitations that affect a person’s freedom or actions.

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ provides the definition of ἅλυσις as “a chain” or “fetters,” with a primary focus on its physical use in binding or restraining. The lexicon also acknowledges its metaphorical use to signify any form of constraint or limitation.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer describes ἅλυσις as meaning “a chain” or “bond,” with emphasis on both its literal use for binding and its metaphorical application to denote restrictions or obstacles. Thayer’s definition reflects the term’s usage in various contexts where binding or confinement is implied.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance identifies ἅλυσις as “a chain” or “bond,” used both literally and figuratively. It highlights the term’s application in describing physical restraints, such as chains used in imprisonment, and its broader metaphorical use to signify limitations or restrictions.

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Summary:
ἅλυσις means “a chain” or “bond,” referring to both physical restraints and metaphorical constraints. It encompasses literal chains used for binding or imprisoning and figurative uses where it signifies any form of limitation or restriction. Key resources such as BDAG, LSJ, Thayer, and Strong’s Concordance consistently define ἅλυσις in relation to its use as both a physical and metaphorical term for confinement and constraint.