Lexical Summary phroureó: To guard, protect, keep watch over Original Word: φρουρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to guard, protectFrom a compound of pro and horao; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. To mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect -- keep (with a garrison). Compare tereo. see GREEK pro see GREEK horao see GREEK tereo HELPS Word-studies 5432 phrouréō (from phrousos, "a sentinel, guard") – properly, to guard (keep watch) like a military sentinel; (figuratively) to actively display whatever defensive and offensive means are necessary to guard. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phrouros (a guard) Definition to guard NASB Translation guard (1), guarding (1), kept in custody (1), protected (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5432: φρουρέωφρουρέω, φρούρω: imperfect ἐφρουρουν; future φρουρήσω; passive, present participle φρουρουμενος; imperfect ἐφρουρουμην; (φρουρός, contracted from πρωρος from πρωράω to see before, foresee); from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; 1. to guard, protect by a military guard, either in order to prevent hostile invasion, or to keep the inhabitants of a besieged city from flight; (often so from Thucydides down): τήν πόλιν, i. e. not he surrounded the city with soldiers, but by posting sentries he kept the gates guarded, 2 Corinthians 11:32 (R. V. guarded), cf. Acts 9:24. 2. metaphorically: τινα, passive, ὑπό νόμον, under the control of the Mosaic law, that we might not escape from its power, with συγκεκλεισμένοι (συν῾γ᾿κλειόμενοι L T Tr WH) added, Galatians 3:23 (R. V. kept in ward; cf. Plutarch, de defect. orac. § 29; Wis. 17:15); to protect by guarding (Sophocles O. R. 1479), to keep: τάς καρδίας ἐν Χριστῷ, i. e. in close connection with Christ, Philippians 4:7; τινα εἰς τί, by watching and guarding to preserve one for the attainment of something (R. V. guarded unto etc.), passive, 1 Peter 1:5. φρουρέω describes the act of setting a watch, posting a guard, or placing under protective custody. In secular Greek it evokes a military sentry or a city garrison; in Scripture it expands to include God’s sovereign guardianship over His people and the temporary custodial role of the Law. Occurrences in Scripture • 2 Corinthians 11:32 Literal Guarding: 2 Corinthians 11:32 “In Damascus the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me.” The verb pictures a ring of soldiers sealing every exit so Paul cannot escape. The usage is purely military, illustrating hostile surveillance that nevertheless fails because the Lord determines Paul’s movements (see 2 Corinthians 11:33). The scene underscores the impotence of human authority when God has ordained a servant’s pathway. Temporary Custody under the Law: Galatians 3:23 “Before this faith came, we were held in custody under the law, locked up until faith should be revealed.” φρουρέω shifts from hostile guard to protective custody. The Mosaic Law functions as a walled compound, restraining sin and preserving Israel until Christ. The imagery affirms the Law’s goodness while insisting on its temporariness. Its walls are dismantled when justifying faith arrives, releasing believers into the liberty of grace. Divine Garrison of Peace: Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Here φρουρέω conveys a benevolent garrison. God’s peace—born of reconciliation through the cross—stands sentinel over the believer’s inner life. The promise is not the absence of conflict but an impenetrable safeguard against anxiety. The verse pictures a fortress-city whose battlements are staffed by the very peace of God, holding off assaults on heart and mind. Eschatological Preservation: 1 Peter 1:5 “who through faith are shielded by God’s power for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.” The present participle portrays continuous protection. Believers are not merely protected until death but kept unto the final unveiling of full salvation. Faith is the means, God’s power the agent, the eschaton the goal. The word affirms both security and perseverance: we remain guarded as we continue believing. Historical Background In the first-century Roman world, city gates closed at dusk, and sentries patrolled walls to repel attack. Citizens slept under a tangible sense of security provided by armed watchmen. Inspired authors import this civic reality into their theology. The Law is likened to a walled custody; peace becomes a garrison; God’s power functions as an ever-vigilant watch. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Safety: God Himself mans the ramparts of the believer’s life. Pastoral and Discipleship Implications • Encourage believers facing persecution: human siege lines cannot thwart God’s mission (2 Corinthians 11:32-33). Interrelated Biblical Themes Guarding imagery resonates with Psalm 121:5 “The LORD is your keeper,” Proverbs 4:23 “Guard your heart,” and John 10:28 “no one will snatch them out of My hand.” Together they weave a tapestry of covenantal security from Old Testament watch-care to New Testament fulfillment. Summary φρουρέω moves from the clank of Damascus gates to the invisible ramparts of divine peace, tracing a line from external custody under Law to internal security in Christ and ultimate preservation for glory. The term reassures every generation that the God who posts sentries over His purposes will also keep His people safe until the Day of Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 11:32 V-IIA-3SGRK: τοῦ βασιλέως ἐφρούρει τὴν πόλιν NAS: the king was guarding the city KJV: of the Damascenes with a garrison, desirous INT: the king was guarding the city Galatians 3:23 V-IIM/P-1P Philippians 4:7 V-FIA-3S 1 Peter 1:5 V-PPM/P-AMP Strong's Greek 5432 |
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