Lexical Summary phulassó: To guard, to keep, to watch over, to protect, to observe Original Word: φυλάσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to guard, keepProbably from phule through the idea of isolation; to watch, i.e. Be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve, obey, avoid -- beward, keep (self), observe, save. Compare tereo. see GREEK phule see GREEK tereo HELPS Word-studies 5442 phylássō (akin to 5441 /phýlaks, "a military guard") – properly, preserve by "having an eye on" (J. Thayer), referring to the uninterrupted vigilance shepherds show in keeping their flocks (see Lk 2:8, used with 5438 /phylakḗ, "a military guard," i.e. exercising unbroken vigilance as a military guard). 5442 /phylássō ("keep watch over, keep secure") emphasizes the needed vigilance to keep what is entrusted. Thus 5442 (phylássō) is often used in the NT in the Greek middle voice meaning, "Personally be on guard against," stressing the constant, personal interest involved with the guarding. [Examples: Lk 12:15, "Beware of," (RV, "Keep yourselves from," cf. Ac 21:25); 2 Tim 4:15, "Be thou aware" (see Vine, Unger, White, NT, 65).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a root phulak- Definition to guard, watch NASB Translation abstain (1), guard (8), guarded (1), guarding (1), guards (1), keep (5), keeping (2), keeps (1), kept (4), kept under guard (1), maintain (1), observe (2), preserved (1), protect (1), watching (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5442: φυλάσσωφυλάσσω; future φυλάξω; 1 aorist ἐφύλαξα; middle, present φυλάσσομαι; 1 aorist ἐφυλαξάμην; present passive φυλάσσομαι; from Homer down; the Sept. times too many to count for שָׁמַר, occasionally for נָצַר (etc.): 1. Active, to guard (Latincustodio); i. e., a. to watch, to keep watch: with φυλακήν, added, Luke 2:8 (see φυλακή, a.). b. to guard or watch, have an eye upon: τινα, one, lest he escape, Acts 12:4; Acts 28:16; passive, Acts 23:35; Luke 8:29; τί, anything, lest it be carried off: τά ἱμάτια, Acts 22:20. c. to guard a person (or thing) that he may remain safe, i. e. lest he suffer violence, be despoiled, etc., equivalent to to protect: τήν αὐλήν, Luke 11:21; ἀπό τίνος, to protect one from a person or thing, 2 Thessalonians 3:3 (see πονηρός, p. 531a) (Xenophon, Cyril 1, 4, 7; Psalm 140:9 d. to guard, i. e. to care for, take care not to violate; to observe: τόν νόμον, Acts 7:53; Acts 21:24; Galatians 6:13 (Leviticus 19:37, etc.; Sophocles Trach. 616; others; νόμους, Xenophon, Hell. 1, 7, 30; Plato, de rep. 6, p. 484 b.; polit., p. 292 a.); single precepts of the Mosaic law, Matthew 19:20 L T Tr WH; Mark 10:20 Lachmann; Luke 18:21 L T Tr text WH; (τά δικαιώματα τοῦ νόμου, Romans 2:26); τόν λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ, Luke 11:28; τά ῤήματα of Jesus, John 12:47 L T Tr WH; apostolic directions, Acts 16:4; 1 Timothy 5:21. 2. Middle a. to observe for oneself something to escape, i. e. to avoid, shun, flee from: by a use common in Greek writings from Aeschylus and Herodotus down, with an accusative of the object, τί, Acts 21:25 (A. V. keep themselves from); τινα, 2 Timothy 4:15 (A. V. be thou ware of); ἀπό τίνος, to keep oneself from a thing, Luke 12:15 (Xenophon, Cyril 2, 3, 9; (Hell. 7, 2, 10)); ἵνα μή, 2 Peter 3:17 (ὅπως μή, Xenophon, mem. 1, 2, 37; other examples in Passow, under the word, p. 2360{a}; (Liddell and Scott, under the word, C. II.)). b. by a usage foreign to Greek writings but very frequent in the Sept. (cf. Winers Grammar, 253 (238)), to guard for oneself (i. e. for one's safety's sake) so as not to violate, i. e. to keep, observe: ταῦτα πάντα (the precepts of the Mosaic law), Matthew 19:20 R G; Mark 10:20 R G T Tr WH; Luke 18:21 R G Tr marginal reading (Exodus 12:17; Leviticus 18:4; Leviticus 20:8, 22; Leviticus 26:3, and many other passages). (Compare: διαφυλάσσω. Synonym: see τηρέω, at the end.) The verb embraces the ideas of watching over, keeping intact, preserving from harm, and faithfully observing. It moves effortlessly between physical vigilance (soldiers, shepherds), moral obedience (keeping commandments), and divine safeguarding (God’s preservation of His people). Guarding God’s Word and Commandments Matthew 19:20; Mark 10:20; Luke 18:21 spotlight the rich young ruler who claims, “All these I have kept.” His testimony illustrates how φυλάσσω was understood as conscientious obedience to the Mosaic commands. Jesus broadens that vision in Luke 11:28: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” Romans 2:26 shows the principle applied to Gentiles: the uncircumcised man who “keeps the requirements of the law” reveals that true keeping is inward and spiritual. 1 John 5:21 personalizes the call: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols,” guarding the heart from divided loyalties. Physical Custody and Watchfulness The term frequently describes literal guard duty. Shepherds were “keeping watch over their flock by night” (Luke 2:8). Herod’s soldiers “guarded” Peter with four squads (Acts 12:4). Paul, whether in Caesarea (Acts 23:35) or Rome (Acts 28:16), is placed under military φυλάσσω. Luke 11:21 pictures a strong man “fully armed” who guards his house until a stronger one arrives, a parable that highlights both the adequacy and limits of human security. Divine Protection and Preservation Jesus testifies, “While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe” (John 17:12). The Father’s faithfulness is echoed in 2 Thessalonians 3:3: “He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.” Jude 1:24 climaxes the theme: God is “able to keep you from stumbling.” Even in judgment, preservation shines through: “He preserved Noah… when He brought the flood” (2 Peter 2:5). Behind every human effort stands the sovereign Keeper. Pastoral and Apostolic Charge to Guard the Deposit Paul entrusts Timothy with doctrinal guardianship: “Guard the good deposit entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit” (2 Timothy 1:14; cf. 1:12; 1 Timothy 6:20). The same care appears in Acts 16:4 where the Jerusalem decrees are delivered “to be observed,” and in Acts 21:25 where Gentile believers are urged to keep specific prohibitions. The apostolic pattern links sound teaching and ethical practice; both are to be watched over diligently. Warnings and Self-Vigilance Luke 12:15 admonishes, “Guard yourselves against every form of greed.” 2 Peter 3:17 adds an eschatological note: “Therefore, beloved… be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of the lawless.” 2 Timothy 4:15 has a personal edge: “Be on your guard against him, for he vigorously opposed our message.” In each case φυλάσσω calls believers to alertness against threats—whether materialism, doctrinal error, or hostile individuals. Historical Background and Cultural Imagery In the first-century world, city walls, night watches, and entrusted valuables shaped daily life. φυλάσσω draws on this milieu: the shepherd vigil, the centurion on post, the steward safeguarding a treasure. Jesus and the apostles tap that imagery to instill spiritual vigilance. The cultural resonance made the metaphor instantly vivid for original hearers and remains accessible today. Ministry Implications 1. Preaching: Emphasize both grace and responsibility—salvation is divinely secured, yet believers are called to active guarding of truth and holiness. Summary of Theological Significance φυλάσσω weaves a single thread through diverse settings: the covenant keeper, the prison guard, the vigilant shepherd, the protecting Savior, and the faithful God who ensures final preservation. Scripture presents divine keeping as the foundation and human keeping as the fitting response. Guarded by God, believers are set free to guard His truth, their own hearts, and one another until the consummation when perfect security is fully revealed. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 19:20 V-AIA-1SGRK: Ταῦτα πάντα ἐφύλαξα τί ἔτι NAS: these things I have kept; what KJV: All these things have I kept from my INT: things All these I have kept what yet Mark 10:20 V-AIM-1S Luke 2:8 V-PPA-NMP Luke 8:29 V-PPM/P-NMS Luke 11:21 V-PSA-3S Luke 11:28 V-PPA-NMP Luke 12:15 V-PMM-2P Luke 18:21 V-AIA-1S John 12:25 V-FIA-3S John 12:47 V-ASA-3S John 17:12 V-AIA-1S Acts 7:53 V-AIA-2P Acts 12:4 V-PNA Acts 16:4 V-PNA Acts 21:24 V-PPA-NMS Acts 21:25 V-PNM Acts 22:20 V-PPA-NMS Acts 23:35 V-PNM Acts 28:16 V-PPA-DMS Romans 2:26 V-PSA-3S Galatians 6:13 V-PIA-3P 2 Thessalonians 3:3 V-FIA-3S 1 Timothy 5:21 V-ASA-2S 1 Timothy 6:20 V-AMA-2S 2 Timothy 1:12 V-ANA Strong's Greek 5442 |
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