Lexical Summary asphalés: Safe, secure, certain, reliable Original Word: ἀσφαλής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance certain, safe, sure. From a (as a negative particle) and sphallo (to "fail"); secure (literally or figuratively) -- certain(-ty), safe, sure. see GREEK a HELPS Word-studies 804 asphalḗs (from 1 /A "not" and sphallō, "totter, cast down") – properly, secure because on solid footing, i.e. built on what does not totter (fall, slip); hence, "unfailing, safe, reliable, trustworthy" (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and sphalló (to trip up) Definition certain, secure NASB Translation certain (1), definite (1), facts (1), safeguard (1), sure (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 804: ἀσφαλήςἀσφαλής, ἀσφαλές (σφάλλω to make to totter or fall, to cheat (cf. Latinfallo, German fallen, etc., English fall, fail), σφάλλομαι to fall, to reel) (from Homer down); a. firm (that can be relied on, confided in): ἄγκυρα, Hebrews 6:19 (where I, and Tr have received as the form of accusative singular ἀσφαλην (Tdf.7ἀσφαλην; cf. Tdf. at the passage; Delitzsch, commentary at the passage) see ἄρσην). Tropically, certain, true: Acts 25:26; τό ἀσφαλές, Acts 21:34; Acts 22:30. b. suited to confirm: τίνι, Philippians 3:1 (so Josephus, Antiquities 3, 2, 1). The term expresses both inward firmness and outward reliability. Whether used of knowledge, personal safety, or eschatological hope, it underscores what cannot be shaken or called into doubt. Scripture applies the word to facts that cannot be disputed (Acts), a hope that cannot fail (Hebrews), and counsel that cannot harm but rather guards the believer (Philippians). Occurrences and Contexts Acts 21:34; Acts 22:30; Acts 25:26 – Roman commanders search for “the facts” or “something definite” regarding Paul. The historian Luke highlights that true certainty eludes human investigation apart from divine revelation. Hebrews 6:19 – “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast.” The security of Christian hope rests not in circumstances but in the High Priest who has entered behind the veil. Philippians 3:1 – “To write the same things to you is no trouble to me, and it is safe for you.” Repetition of apostolic teaching shields the church from error, showing that doctrinal stability is pastoral protection. Historical Background In the first-century Mediterranean world, legal and political systems prized “secure” documentation and testimony. Luke’s use of the term in Acts reflects that milieu, contrasting Rome’s quest for reliable evidence with the gospel’s unassailable truth. The Epistle to the Hebrews, likely written before the temple’s destruction, presents security in Christ as superior to the perceived stability of the Levitical order. Philippians, penned during imprisonment, demonstrates that genuine safety transcends physical chains. Theological Significance Safety in Christ – Hebrews 6:19 anchors the believer in the finished work of Jesus, revealing that assurance is objective, rooted in the unchangeable purpose of God. Certainty of Revelation – Luke records repeated failures of Roman officials to establish the truth about Paul, subtly affirming that only God’s word offers final certainty (compare John 17:17). Protective Repetition – Paul’s willingness to reiterate doctrine (Philippians 3:1) models how faithful teaching functions as a safeguard for the flock, paralleling Deuteronomy’s call to rehearse the law continually. Ministry Applications 1. Pastoral Counseling – Direct doubting hearts to the “firm and steadfast” hope of Hebrews 6:19, emphasizing Christ’s ongoing intercession. Related Biblical Motifs Anchor imagery – Isaiah 33:6; Psalm 18:2 God as refuge – Psalm 46:1; Proverbs 18:10 Certainty of the promise – Numbers 23:19; 2 Corinthians 1:20 Summary Strong’s Greek 804 threads through narrative, doctrinal, and pastoral texts to proclaim that in a volatile world God alone provides what is truly secure: unassailable truth, unbreakable hope, and unfailing protection for His people. Englishman's Concordance Acts 21:34 Adj-ANSGRK: γνῶναι τὸ ἀσφαλὲς διὰ τὸν NAS: not find out the facts because KJV: not know the certainty for the tumult, INT: to know the certainty on account of the Acts 22:30 Adj-ANS Acts 25:26 Adj-ANS Philippians 3:1 Adj-NNS Hebrews 6:19 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 804 |
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