φυλακή

a watching, guard, prison, imprisonment

Definition

The Greek word φυλακή (phylakē) primarily means 'a place of guarding' or 'a watch.' In the New Testament, it most commonly refers to a prison or place of confinement, as seen when John the Baptist is imprisoned (Matthew 14:3, 10). It can also denote the act of imprisonment itself. A distinct meaning is 'a watch' in the sense of a period of night duty for guards, which Jesus references in a parable about a homeowner being alert (Matthew 24:43). Additionally, it carries the sense of 'guard' or 'custody,' referring to the soldiers keeping watch, such as at Jesus' tomb (Matthew 27:66). In Matthew 25:36, 39, visiting those 'in prison' (ἐν φυλακῇ) is an act of compassion.

Biblical Usage

Φυλακή is used 45 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels (especially Matthew) and Acts, reflecting narratives involving arrests and imprisonment. It describes literal prisons for John the Baptist, the apostles (Acts 5:19; 12:4-10), and Paul. The metaphorical use for a 'watch' of the night appears in Jesus' teaching on vigilance (Luke 12:38). The Book of Revelation uses it symbolically for a place of confinement, like the abyss (Revelation 20:7). Its usage is almost always literal, pertaining to physical custody or a guarded location.

Etymology

Derived from the verb φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442), meaning 'to guard, watch, keep.' Φυλακή literally means 'a watching' or 'a guarding,' and by extension, the place where guarding occurs—a prison. This root connection emphasizes the concepts of protection, custody, and vigilance inherent in the word's range of meanings.

Semantic Range

Φυλακή is theologically significant as it appears in contexts of persecution, justice, and eschatological vigilance. Imprisonment for the faith, as experienced by John the Baptist, Peter, and Paul, highlights the cost of discipleship. Jesus' command to visit prisoners (Matthew 25:36-39) elevates care for the incarcerated to a spiritual duty. His parable using the 'watch' of the night (Matthew 24:43) ties the word to the crucial theme of being spiritually alert for His return, making it a concept linking social justice, persecution, and Christian hope.

In the first-century Roman world, prisons (φυλακαί) were often dark, underground dungeons or guarded rooms in fortresses, used primarily for holding accused persons before trial or punishment, not for long-term sentences as in modern systems. Conditions were harsh, and prisoners were dependent on outsiders for basic necessities. The concept of a 'watch' referred to the Roman military division of the night into four periods, a system familiar to Jesus' audience. Understanding this context illuminates the urgency in calls to visit prisoners and the imagery of nighttime vigilance.

δεσμωτήριον (desmōtērion, G1201) — a prison; often interchangeable, but can emphasize the bonds or chains. τήρησις (tērēsis, G5084) — a keeping, guarding; focuses more on the act of observance or preservation than the physical place.

Word Details

Scripture References