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ἅλυσις

hálysis

G254 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A chain or shackle, specifically a means of physical restraint such as a fetter, manacle, or chain for binding a person, typically around the wrists, ankles, or neck. In wider contexts, refers to any kind of chain or linked fastening device, occasionally used metaphorically for bondage or restraint (of a non-literal kind) but primarily denotes an actual physical implement for securing a prisoner or captive.

Semantic Range

chain, fetter, manacle, shackle, instrument of physical restraint, (rarely) symbol of bondage or captivity

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. Possibly from an archaic root related to binding or linking, but no definitive Greek root has been established. The form is attested in classical and Koine Greek without clear derivation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἅλυσις is widely attested in both classical literature (e.g., Homer, Herodotus) and continuing through the Hellenistic and Roman periods, usually referring concretely to chains or fetters used to restrain prisoners or slaves. In the Septuagint, it is often used to translate Hebrew terms for fetters or chains in narratives of captivity or imprisonment. In New Testament contexts, it appears in narratives describing the imprisonment of figures such as Peter or Paul, signifying the physical chains used to bind them. The term is sometimes used in plural form (ἅλυσεις) to denote multiple chains or a set of restraints. Standard English translations typically render the word as "chains" or "fetters," though sometimes simply as "bonds." The metaphorical sense (bondage, restriction) is rare in primary Koine usage and should not be read as the dominant meaning.

Translation Consistency

primary "chain" 11 occurrences

Most occurrences and common translations use 'chain/chains.' 'Chain' is natural English, covers linked restraints (fetters, shackles) and can extend metaphorically to bondage, matching the primary SILEX sense of a physical instrument of restraint.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; a fetter or manacle:--bonds, chain.

Root Family

ἅλυσις (halysis) — chain, fetter, shackle, physical restraint

Root ἀλυσι- to bind, to restrain, to fasten

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G254-05 ἅλυσιν alusin N ACC F SG chain a chain chain 3
G254-04 ἁλύσεσιν alusesin N DAT F PL chains with chains with chains 2
G254-01 ἁλύσει alusei N DAT F SG chain with a chain with a chain 2
G254-02 ἁλύσεις aluseis N ACC F PL chains chains chains 2
G254-03 ἁλύσεσι alusesi N DAT F PL chains with shackles with chains 2

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G254-01 Mark 5:3 ἁλύσει alusei N DAT F SG chain with a chain with a chain
G254-03 Mark 5:4 ἁλύσεσι alusesi N DAT F PL chains with shackles with chains
G254-02 Mark 5:4 ἁλύσεις aluseis N ACC F PL chains chains chains
G254-04 Luke 8:29 ἁλύσεσιν alusesin N DAT F PL with chains with chains with chains
G254-04 Acts 12:6 ἁλύσεσιν alusesin N DAT F PL chains with chains with chains
G254-02 Acts 12:7 ἁλύσεις aluseis N NOM F PL chains chains chains
G254-03 Acts 21:33 ἁλύσεσι alusesi N DAT F PL with chains with shackles with chains
G254-05 Acts 28:20 ἅλυσιν alusin N ACC F SG chain a chain chain
G254-01 Ephesians 6:20 ἁλύσει alusei N DAT F SG chains with a chain chains
G254-05 2 Timothy 1:16 ἅλυσίν alusin N ACC F SG chain a chain chain
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