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φύλαξ

phýlax

G5441 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A guard or sentinel; one who observes, keeps watch, or is stationed to protect or oversee. In extended usage, can refer to any protector, overseer, or watcher, whether of a physical place, people, or things.

Semantic Range

guard, sentinel, watchman, keeper, overseer, protector, sentry

Root / Etymology

From the root φυλ- of φυλάσσω ('to guard, to watch, to keep').

Historical & Contextual Notes

φύλαξ primarily appears in classical, Hellenistic, and Koine Greek to refer to a person assigned to protect, guard, or serve as a lookout—an individual whose task is to preserve the safety or security of others or of property. In military, civic, or temple contexts, the φύλαξ might be a sentinel, watchman, or guard. The word is attested in earlier Greek literature (e.g., Homer, Herodotus) with similar meaning. In the Septuagint, φύλαξ closely corresponds to Hebrew terms for 'guard' or 'watchman' (such as שׁוֹמֵר or נֹצֵר), and is often used for those keeping watch over a city, a field, or in service at religious sites. In the New Testament and other later Koine sources, φύλαξ is rare but retains this core meaning, typically describing a physical guard (cf. Acts 5:23). English translations often render φύλαξ as 'keeper', 'guard', or 'watchman,' but depending on context, it may refer more specifically to one fulfilling a role akin to a sentry, overseer, or watch. It is distinct from related terms such as στρατιώτης ('soldier') or φύλαρχος ('chief of a tribe/guard').

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from φυλάσσω; a watcher or sentry:--keeper.

Root Family

φύλαξ (phýlax) — to guard, to watch, to protect

Root φυλ- to guard, to watch, to protect

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5441-01 φύλακας phulakas N ACC M PL guards guards guards 2
G5441-02 φύλακές phulakes N NOM M PL guards of a guard guards 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5441-01 Acts 5:23 φύλακας phulakas N ACC M PL guards guards guards
G5441-02 Acts 12:6 φύλακές phulakes N NOM M PL guards of a guard guards
G5441-01 Acts 12:19 φύλακας phulakas N ACC M PL guards guards guards
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