ἀσφαλής
asphalḗs
G804 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Firm, secure, reliable; describes something that is stable, not liable to fall, trustworthy, or unfailing. In various contexts, it denotes physical security (not likely to fall or be overturned), reliability or certainty (cannot fail or be doubted), and sometimes safety (protected from harm).
Semantic Range
firm, secure, reliable, certain, infallible, safe, trustworthy, unfailing, not liable to fall, protected
Root / Etymology
From the negative prefix ἀ- (not) and the verb σφάλλω (to make to fall, to totter, to fail); thus, literally, 'not liable to fall'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In pre-Koine (classical) Greek, ἀσφαλής refers primarily to physical stability or firmness—of a foundation, a wall, or a person who stands secure. Over time, particularly in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the term broadens to describe mental or factual certainty and trustworthiness. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it frequently appears with abstract or metaphorical senses, such as the reliability of testimony (Acts 2:36), the certainty of knowledge (Luke 1:4), or secure custody (Acts 16:24). English translations often render it as 'certain,' 'sure,' 'secure,' or 'safe,' but this may not capture the dynamic sense of both physical and conceptual security conveyed in the Greek. The nuance between 'safe' (protected, not in danger) and 'certain' (not doubtful) is context-dependent. It contrasts with related terms such as ἔμπεδος (firm, fixed in place), but ἀσφαλής tends also to convey reliability or freedom from logical, moral, or physical errancy.
Translation Consistency
ἀσφαλής most commonly conveys the idea of being firm, safe, and reliable. “Secure” is a natural, versatile English adjective that covers physical stability, safety, and trustworthiness, and matches the majority of existing renderings—so it provides consistent, idiomatic translation across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from Α (as a negative particle) and sphallo (to "fail"); secure (literally or figuratively):--certain(-ty), safe, sure.
Root Family
ἀσφαλής (asphalēs) — firm, secure, reliable, not liable to fall
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G804-02 |
ἀσφαλὲς | asphales | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
certainty | what is secure | what is secure | 4 |
G804-01 |
ἀσφαλῆ | asphale | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
sure | secure | secure | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G804-02 |
Acts 21:34 | ἀσφαλὲς | asphales | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
certainty | what is secure | what is secure |
G804-02 |
Acts 22:30 | ἀσφαλὲς | asphales | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
certainty | what is secure | certainty |
G804-02 |
Acts 25:26 | ἀσφαλές | asphales | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
definite | what is secure | what is secure |
G804-02 |
Philippians 3:1 | ἀσφαλές | asphales | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
a safeguard | what is secure | secure |
G804-01 |
Hebrews 6:19 | ἀσφαλῆ | asphale | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
sure | secure | secure |