Desmophýlax (pronounced des-mo-FEE-lax) is a Greek masculine noun that translates to “jailer” or “prison keeper.” The word is a compound formed from two Greek words: δεσμός (desmós), meaning “bond” or “chain,” and φύλαξ (phýlax), meaning “guard” or “keeper.” The term δεσμοφύλαξ is used specifically to denote the individual responsible for overseeing prisoners, maintaining their custody, and ensuring that they remain securely bound or confined. This term is most commonly found in the context of ancient prisons, where the jailer was a key figure in maintaining order and security.

Root Word and Part of Speech:

• Root Words: δεσμός (desmós) – “bond” or “chain”; φύλαξ (phýlax) – “guard” or “keeper.”
• Part of Speech: Masculine noun.

Primary Meanings:

• Jailer: The primary meaning of δεσμοφύλαξ is “jailer” or “prison keeper,” referring to the person responsible for guarding and overseeing prisoners.
• Prison Guard: The term can also be understood as a more general “prison guard,” indicating someone who is tasked with ensuring that prisoners remain securely confined.

Scripture References

1. Acts 16:23: “And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the jailer (δεσμοφύλακι, desmophýlaki) to keep them safely.”

• Transliteration: desmophýlaki

1. Acts 16:27: “When the jailer (δεσμοφύλαξ, desmophýlax) woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.”

• Transliteration: desmophýlax

1. Acts 16:36: “And the jailer (δεσμοφύλαξ, desmophýlax) reported these words to Paul, saying, ‘The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore come out now and go in peace.'”

• Transliteration: desmophýlax

Detailed Description

BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) defines δεσμοφύλαξ as “jailer” or “prison keeper,” emphasizing the role of the individual responsible for the custody and supervision of prisoners. BDAG notes that the term is specifically used in the New Testament to describe the jailer in Philippi, who was responsible for overseeing Paul and Silas during their imprisonment. The lexicon also highlights the importance of the jailer’s role in ensuring that prisoners did not escape and that they remained securely bound or confined.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon provides a similar definition, describing δεσμοφύλαξ as “a keeper of the prison” or “a jailer.” Thayer’s emphasizes the responsibilities of the jailer in ancient prisons, where security and order were paramount. The lexicon also notes that the term is used in a specific narrative context in the New Testament, particularly in the story of Paul and Silas in Acts 16.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary also supports this understanding, noting that δεσμοφύλαξ is primarily used to describe the individual responsible for guarding prisoners in a prison setting. Vine’s highlights that the term is closely associated with the duties of ensuring that prisoners are securely confined and that the integrity of the prison is maintained.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance provides a straightforward definition of δεσμοφύλαξ as “jailer” or “keeper of the prison.” The concordance emphasizes the term’s use in the New Testament, particularly in reference to the jailer in Acts 16, who plays a significant role in the narrative of Paul and Silas’s imprisonment.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

1. Plato’s “Republic”: In discussions of justice and the state, Plato refers to various types of guardians, including those who are responsible for maintaining order and enforcing the law. While δεσμοφύλαξ is specifically associated with prison guards, the concept of a guardian or keeper is prevalent throughout Plato’s work.
2. Herodotus’ “Histories”: Herodotus describes various forms of punishment and imprisonment used by ancient civilizations. The term δεσμοφύλαξ would be applicable to the individuals tasked with overseeing prisoners and ensuring that they remained securely confined.
3. Aristophanes’ “The Wasps”: In this comedic play, Aristophanes explores themes of justice and the law, including the role of those who enforce it. The concept of a jailer or prison keeper, as denoted by δεσμοφύλαξ, would be relevant in the context of the play’s exploration of legal systems.

Summary

Desmophýlax (G1200) is a Greek masculine noun meaning “jailer” or “prison keeper.” It is derived from the roots δεσμός (desmós), meaning “bond” or “chain,” and φύλαξ (phýlax), meaning “guard” or “keeper.” The term specifically refers to the individual responsible for guarding and overseeing prisoners, ensuring that they remain securely bound or confined. Desmophýlax is used in the New Testament to describe the jailer in Philippi, who plays a significant role in the narrative of Paul and Silas’s imprisonment. The term is also applicable in classical Greek literature, where it would describe individuals responsible for maintaining order and security in prisons or other confined settings. Desmophýlax encapsulates the responsibilities and authority of those who oversee and guard prisoners, making it a key term in understanding the role of jailers in both the New Testament and ancient Greek culture.