Lexical Summary phulax: Guard, Watchman, Keeper Original Word: φύλαξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance keeper. From phulasso; a watcher or sentry -- keeper. see GREEK phulasso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phulassó Definition a guard, keeper NASB Translation guards (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5441: φύλαξφύλαξ, φυλακός, ὁ (φυλάσσω), a guard, keeper: Acts 5:23; Acts 12:6, 19. (From Homer down; the Sept. for שֹׁמֵר.) Topical Lexicon Word Family and Semantic Field Strong’s Greek 5441 identifies a noun for a “guard” or “sentinel.” It belongs to the larger word-group that includes verbs meaning “to keep watch” and adjectives describing “guarded” places. The term speaks of one who is officially posted to secure persons or property against intrusion or escape. While rare in the New Testament, the concept of vigilant guardianship is woven throughout Scripture, from the cherubim stationed at Eden (Genesis 3:24) to the watchmen on Jerusalem’s walls (Isaiah 62:6). Occurrences in Acts 1. Acts 5:23 records the astonishment of the temple officers who found “the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”. In each scene human sentinels confront the sovereign power of God. Their impotence underscores that no earthly defense can restrain the advance of the gospel (Acts 5:39; Acts 12:24). Historical Background of First-Century Guard Duty Roman practice assigned a quaternion (four soldiers) to a prisoner, rotating every three hours to prevent collusion or fatigue. Chains secured the right hand of the prisoner to the left hand of a soldier, leaving two additional sentries at the doorway—precisely the arrangement reported in Acts 12:6. Failure in duty carried capital punishment, explaining the execution of the guards in Acts 12:19 and heightening the drama of divine deliverance. Temple guards in Acts 5 served under the Sanhedrin, sworn to protect sacred precincts and enforce religious rulings. Their bafflement when the apostles disappear while preaching just yards away in the courts shows the futility of resisting a Spirit-empowered mission. Theological Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty over Human Barriers: Locked doors, iron gates, and armed sentinels fall before the Lord who “opens doors that no one can shut” (Revelation 3:7). Ministry Application • Vigilance in Doctrine: As spiritual “guards,” elders are charged to “keep watch over yourselves and the flock” (Acts 20:28), echoing the literal guards of Acts but with eternal stakes. Related Biblical Motifs • Old Testament Watchmen: Ezekiel’s commission (Ezekiel 3:17) establishes the prophetic role of warning and guarding. Thus the sparse New Testament appearances of Strong’s 5441 illuminate profound themes of vigilance, deliverance, and the triumph of the gospel mission. Forms and Transliterations φύλακα φυλακας φύλακας φύλακάς φυλακες φύλακες φύλακές φύλακι φύλαξ φυλάρχους phulakas phulakes phylakas phýlakas phylakes phýlakésLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 5:23 N-AMPGRK: καὶ τοὺς φύλακας ἑστῶτας ἐπὶ NAS: securely and the guards standing KJV: and the keepers standing INT: and the guards standing before Acts 12:6 N-NMP Acts 12:19 N-AMP Strong's Greek 5441 |
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