Lexical Summary diaphulassó: To guard thoroughly, to keep safe, to protect Original Word: διαφυλάσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to guard, protectFrom dia and phulasso; to guard thoroughly, i.e. Protect -- keep. see GREEK dia see GREEK phulasso HELPS Word-studies 1314 diaphylássō (from 1223 /diá, "thoroughly," which intensifies 5442 /phylássō, "to guard") – properly, thoroughly guard ("hyper-guard," see Lk 4:10); "the preposition [dia] implies close, careful guarding" (WS, 151). It is used only in Lk 4:10 (by Satan quoting Scripture out of context). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dia and phulassó Definition to guard carefully NASB Translation guard (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1314: διαφυλάσσωδιαφυλάσσω: 1 aorist infinitive διαφυλάξαι; from Herodotus down; to guard carefully: τινα, Luke 4:10 from Psalm 90:11 Topical Lexicon Concept of Careful Preservation The verb conveys an intensive kind of safeguarding: a watchful, active protection that leaves nothing to chance. It evokes a shepherd’s vigilant oversight and a sentry’s unwavering commitment, emphasizing both the completeness and the constancy of God’s care. Occurrence in the New Testament Luke 4:10 records the single New Testament use, appearing in the devil’s quotation of Psalm 91 during Christ’s wilderness temptation: “He will command His angels concerning You to guard You carefully” (Berean Standard Bible). The adverbial force of “carefully” underscores the exhaustive nature of the promised protection. Old Testament Background and Septuagint Links The word is rooted in the Septuagint rendering of Psalm 91:11, a psalm of refuge that celebrates Yahweh as the dwelling place and shield of His people. Similar preservation language appears throughout the Psalter (for example, Psalm 121:7-8) and the Prophets (Jeremiah 31:10), presenting a consistent biblical motif: God Himself watches over the covenant community. Context in Luke 4:10 When Satan cites the verse, he twists a promise meant to encourage trust into a pretext for presumption. Jesus immediately counters with Deuteronomy 6:16, showing that genuine faith never manipulates God’s promises. The episode teaches that divine protection is not a license for reckless self-exaltation but a spur to humble obedience. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty: God’s guardianship springs from His absolute rule over creation (Psalm 24:1). Practical Ministry Application • Pastoral Comfort: In seasons of danger or uncertainty, shepherds can remind the flock that divine guardianship is neither vague nor partial but deliberate and exhaustive. Historical Witness of the Early Church Early Christian writers employed Psalm 91 in baptismal liturgies and exorcism prayers, viewing the promise of angelic oversight as a present reality in congregational life. Patristic sermons on the temptation of Christ regularly highlighted Satan’s misuse of the verse as a cautionary tale against heretical interpretation. Related Passages Psalm 91:11; Psalm 121:7-8; Isaiah 27:3; Matthew 4:6-7; Ephesians 6:11-13; 1 Peter 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:3. Summary Insight The solitary New Testament use of the verb provides a window into a comprehensive biblical doctrine: the Lord guards His people thoroughly, often through unseen angelic agencies, always in a manner consistent with His Word, and never as an excuse for arrogant testing of His faithfulness. Forms and Transliterations διαπεφυλαγμένη διαπεφωνήκαμεν διαπεφώνηκεν διαφυλαξαι διαφυλάξαι διαφυλάξει διαφυλάξη διαφυλάσσειν διαφυλάσσοντας διαφυλάσσων διαφωτίσαι διαφωτίση διεφύλαξεν διεφυλάχθη διεφώνησε διεφώνησεν diaphulaxai diaphylaxai diaphyláxaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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