φυλακίζω

I imprison

Definition

φυλακίζω (phylakizō) means 'to imprison' or 'to put someone in custody.' It specifically refers to the act of confining someone under guard, often in a formal or legal context. In the New Testament, it appears only in Acts 22:19, where Paul recounts his past actions of imprisoning believers. The term implies a deliberate, authoritative act of detention, typically involving a prison (φυλακή, phylakē). While its single occurrence limits nuanced senses, it aligns with the broader concept of judicial or punitive confinement seen in related words.

Biblical Usage

This verb is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 22:19. Here, Paul addresses the Lord, saying, 'I myself was imprisoning (ἐφυλάκιζον) those who believed in you.' The context is Paul's testimony about his former persecution of Christians before his conversion. The usage is historical and descriptive, highlighting his role as an active agent in the confinement of believers. No other patterns exist due to its solitary occurrence.

Etymology

φυλακίζω derives from the noun φυλακή (phylakē, G5438), meaning 'guard,' 'watch,' or 'prison.' The verb form is created by adding the suffix -ίζω, which often indicates causing an action. Thus, φυλακίζω literally means 'to cause to be guarded' or 'to put under guard.' It is related to the verb φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442), meaning 'to guard' or 'to keep,' emphasizing the protective or restrictive aspect of confinement.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, φυλακίζω carries theological weight in illustrating Paul's dramatic transformation from persecutor to apostle. In Acts 22:19, it underscores the severity of his past opposition to the church, contrasting with God's grace in his conversion. This word enriches understanding of persecution narratives in the New Testament, highlighting how early Christians faced imprisonment for their faith. It connects to themes of suffering, justice, and divine redemption, reminding readers of the cost of discipleship and the power of God's mercy to change lives.

In the first-century Roman world, imprisonment was a common judicial practice, often used for detention before trial or as punishment. Unlike modern prisons with long-term sentences, ancient imprisonment could involve harsh conditions, such as chains or confinement in dungeons. φυλακίζω reflects this cultural setting of authoritative control, where imprisonment was a tool of social and political order. Understanding this helps modern readers grasp the real danger early Christians faced, as imprisonment was not merely symbolic but a serious threat to life and freedom.

δεσμεύω (desmeuō, G1195) — to bind or tie, often in chains, with a focus on physical restraint; φυλάσσω (phylassō, G5442) — to guard or keep watch, broader in meaning, not necessarily implying imprisonment; καθέζω (kathezō, G2516) — to sit or detain, but less specific to custody.

Word Details

Scripture References