Prison Power: φυλακίζω (Strong’s G5439: phylakizo) Imprisons for Religious Persecution

Strong’s G5439: From phylake; to imprison, specifically for religious persecution. A derivative of phulax (a guard), meaning to put under watch or custody. Used in the context of early Christian persecution and imprisonment for religious beliefs.

U – Unveiling the Word

φυλακίζω embodies the serious act of imprisoning someone, particularly in a religious persecution context. In the New Testament, it specifically appears in contexts where believers were imprisoned for their faith. The word carries deep historical significance as it documents the early church’s persecution, especially seen in Paul’s pre-conversion activities where he actively imprisoned Christians. This term remains relevant today as it reminds us of religious persecution throughout history and in contemporary contexts where believers still face imprisonment for their faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φυλακίζω, phylakizo, foo-lak-id’-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: foo (as in food) – lak (as in lack) – id (as in lid) – zo (as in zone)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: φυλακή (phylakē) – guard, prison, watch
• Suffix: -ίζω (-izo) – verbal suffix indicating causative action or to make something happen

D – Defining Meanings

• To imprison, put in prison
• To confine or place under guard
• To incarcerate for religious beliefs

For compound words: The root φυλακή carries the meaning of guard or prison, while the -ίζω suffix makes it an active verb meaning “to make someone imprisoned”

Translation Options:

• “To imprison” – Most direct translation capturing the basic action
• “To put in custody” – Emphasizes the supervisory aspect
• “To incarcerate” – Formal equivalent emphasizing official detention

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φυλακή (phylakē) – prison, guard G5438
• φύλαξ (phylax) – keeper, guard G5441
• τηρέω (tēreō) – to guard, keep watch G5083

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, φυλακίζω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective (present) or Perfective (aorist)

The word can appear as:

• φυλακίζω (I imprison)
• φυλακίζεις (you imprison)
• φυλακίζει (he/she/it imprisons)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insight into φυλακίζω’s significance in biblical literature. BDAG emphasizes its specific usage in contexts of religious persecution, while Thayer’s highlights its connection to the physical act of imprisonment. LSJ traces its usage in broader Greek literature where it carries similar connotations of official detention. Vine’s notes its particular significance in Acts, where it documents early Christian persecution. Strong’s connects it to the root meaning of guarding or watching, while Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in legal contexts of imprisonment.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I imprisoned [φυλακίζω] and beat those who believed in you.'” Acts 22:19

Additional References:
Acts 8:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

φυλακίζω represents more than just the act of imprisonment; it symbolizes the historical struggle between religious freedom and persecution. In the New Testament, it particularly highlights Paul’s dramatic transformation from a persecutor who imprisoned believers to becoming imprisoned himself for the same faith. This word reminds us of Christ’s words about persecution while pointing to the ultimate freedom found in the gospel, where though people may imprison the body, they cannot imprison the spirit or the truth of Jesus Christ.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears primarily in Acts, specifically in accounts of Paul’s pre-conversion activities
• It’s one of several imprisonment-related terms that showcase the early church’s persecution
• The same root word forms the basis for modern Greek prison terminology

Strong’s G5439: From phylake; to imprison, specifically for religious persecution. A derivative of phulax (a guard), meaning to put under watch or custody. Used in the context of early Christian persecution and imprisonment for religious beliefs.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: imprisonment, persecution, Paul, early church, religious freedom, custody, guards, detention, Acts, Christian persecution​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​