Pronunciation Guide: hä’-lu-sis (hah-LOO-sis)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G254: ἅλυσις refers to a chain, bond, or physical restraint, particularly used for binding prisoners or securing valuable items. It literally denotes a metal chain or fetter, often used to restrain dangerous individuals or secure precious possessions. In biblical usage, it carries both literal and metaphorical significance, representing physical bondage as well as spiritual imprisonment.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Derived from the root ‘α’ (negative prefix) + ‘λύω’ (to loose or dissolve)
• Primary usage in narrative passages and metaphorical teachings
• Common in historical and legal contexts
• Frequently appears in accounts of imprisonment and deliverance

ἅλυσις Morphology:

• ἅλυσις (nominative singular) – a chain
• ἁλύσεως (genitive singular) – of a chain
• ἁλύσει (dative singular) – to/with a chain
• ἅλυσιν (accusative singular) – a chain (direct object)
• ἁλύσεσι(ν) (dative plural) – with chains

Origin & History

The term ἅλυσις has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it appears in works describing both literal imprisonment and metaphorical bondage. Herodotus uses the term in his “Histories” when describing the golden chain of Delphi, a symbol of both physical restraint and divine authority.

In Hellenistic literature, the word gained prominence in accounts of prisoner treatment and military equipment. Polybius employs ἅλυσις in his “Histories” when describing the chains used to secure warships and prisoners of war, highlighting its significance in both maritime and military contexts.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A physical metal chain used for restraining prisoners
• A binding agent used to secure valuable items
• A metaphorical representation of spiritual or emotional bondage
• A symbol of authority and control

ἅλυσις Translation Options:

• Chain – Best used when referring to physical restraints
• Bonds – Appropriate for metaphorical usage, especially in spiritual contexts
• Fetters – Useful when emphasizing the restrictive nature
• Shackles – Particularly fitting when describing prisoner restraints
• Links – Helpful when describing the interconnected nature of the chains

Biblical Usage

The word ἅλυσις appears significantly throughout the New Testament, often in contexts of imprisonment and supernatural deliverance. Its first appearance in Mark 5:3 presents a dramatic scene where no chain could bind the demon-possessed man, emphasizing both human attempts at restraint and the superior power of the Messiah.

In Acts, the word takes on special significance in accounts of miraculous prison breaks, particularly in Acts 12:7 where Peter’s chains supernaturally fall off through angelic intervention. This creates a powerful metaphor for divine deliverance from both physical and spiritual bondage.

• “No one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain [ἁλύσει]” Mark 5:3
• “His chains fell off from his hands” [ἁλύσεις] Acts 12:7
• “For this reason I am bound with chains” [τὴν ἅλυσιν] Acts 28:20
• “Remember my chains” [τῶν δεσμῶν] Colossians 4:18
• “Not ashamed of my chains” [τὴν ἅλυσίν] 2 Timothy 1:16

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, chains held profound symbolic significance beyond their practical use. Roman citizens were legally protected from being bound in chains, making Paul’s willingness to bear them for the Messiah particularly poignant. The quality and weight of chains often indicated the prisoner’s status and perceived threat level.

The practice of binding prisoners with chains was deeply embedded in both Roman and Jewish culture. In Jewish tradition, the removal of chains became associated with the Year of Jubilee, where prisoners were set free and debts forgiven, foreshadowing the Messianic redemption.

Theological Significance

The use of ἅλυσις in Scripture reveals a powerful contrast between human bondage and divine freedom. The Messiah’s authority over physical chains (as seen in the Gerasene demoniac) demonstrates His power over both physical and spiritual bondage. This mirrors the prophetic declaration in Isaiah 61:1, where the Messiah comes to “proclaim liberty to the captives.”

The apostolic willingness to bear chains for the gospel transforms the symbol of imprisonment into a badge of honor. Paul’s chains become a testimony of the gospel’s worth and power, showing how physical bondage can coincide with spiritual freedom. This paradox illuminates the profound truth that true freedom is found not in the absence of chains, but in being bound to the Messiah.

Personal Application

When we encounter ἅλυσις in Scripture, we’re invited to examine the chains in our own lives – whether they’re physical circumstances, spiritual strongholds, or emotional barriers. Just as the ancient chains fell from Peter’s wrists, we’re reminded that no bondage is beyond the Messiah’s power to break.

The transformative message is that our chains – whatever form they take – can become testimonies of His deliverance and platforms for His glory. Like Paul, we can view our limitations not as obstacles but as opportunities for demonstrating God’s power and grace.

Related Words

• δεσμός (desmos) – bond, fetter, imprisonment – highlights legal aspect of bondage See G1199
• σειρά (seira) – cord, rope – emphasizes the binding material See G4577
• πέδη (pede) – shackle, specifically for feet – focuses on mobility restriction See G3976
• ζυγός (zygos) – yoke, burden – represents metaphorical bondage See G2218

Did you Know?

• Ancient Roman chains were often crafted with mathematical precision, with links designed to prevent escape while allowing necessary movement – a practice that influenced the development of modern chain manufacturing.
• In ancient Jewish culture, the person who held the key to a prisoner’s chains held tremendous symbolic and practical power, which adds deeper meaning to Yeshua’s declaration of holding the keys of death and Hades in Revelation 1:18.
• The word ἅλυσις influenced the development of nautical terminology, as similar chains were used to secure ships and anchor them safely – a metaphor early believers often used to describe their relationship with God.

Remember This

Every chain that binds us becomes an opportunity for His power to be displayed, transforming our places of bondage into testimonies of His deliverance.