G5439
φυλακίζω
to incarcerate
Transliteration
phylakízōPronunciation
(foo-lak-id'-zo)Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief is Bible study with a difference — going word-by-word through Scripture to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery that modern translations often leave behind.
Only about 3% of people around the world who start the Bible ever finish it. The 3% Club is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement.
Bible Cafe isn't just Bible study — it's a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. It combines the original Coffee with Jesus experience with activities like quizzes, crosswords, journaling and more, all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G Bible Project exists to change that — three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Bible, and F.O.G Jr. for younger readers), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance restoring the depths most translations leave behind. It is Jean Paul's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars — because the church was Jewish before it was anything else, and those roots change everything about how you read Scripture.
Simply create an account and choose your preferred Bible and reading style. The app will track your progress and help keep you accountable to the rhythm of daily Scripture engagement.
to incarcerate
φυλακίζω(phylakízō)
Strong’s Definition
to incarcerate
from G5441 (φύλαξ);
“And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
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.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
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:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
As a verb, φυλακίζω exhibits these features:
The word can appear as:
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.
Send a Gift
This website is 100% donor-funded. Your generosity allows someone else to access this content for free.
Give a gift of $100 to sponsor a verse or page of your choice.
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?
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