φρουρέω
phrouréō
G5432 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To guard or protect by keeping watch, especially in the manner of a sentinel or garrison; to keep under surveillance or in custody. The word can take on figurative meanings of providing protection, safeguarding, or preserving something or someone. In various contexts, it may also indicate restricting movement by means of close watch or surveillance.
Semantic Range
to act as a sentry, to garrison, to keep under guard, to restrict or enclose by watching, to protect (figuratively), to keep safe, to guard (with a military sense or vigilance)
Root / Etymology
From φρουρά (phrourá, 'a guard, garrison'), itself likely derived from the verb φυλάσσω (phylássō, 'to guard, keep watch') or possibly a compound involving the preverb προ- ('before, in advance') and the root ὁράω ('to see'); however, direct composition from those elements is debated, and the etymology remains somewhat uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Koine Greek, φρουρέω is primarily a military verb, denoting the action of placing or maintaining a guard, garrison, or watch, particularly over persons, places (like gates, cities, or prisoners), or valuable goods. In the Septuagint, it is often used for watching over people or cities, translating Hebrew verbs like שָׁמַר (to guard, keep). In the New Testament, the word appears both in literal, military contexts (e.g., guarding a prisoner) and in figurative, non-military senses (e.g., God guarding the hearts and minds of believers in Phil 4:7). The typical English translation 'guard' or 'keep (with a garrison)' often captures the main sense, but may miss nuances—particularly the notion of being hemmed in, enclosed, or restricted for the sake of security. Compared with τηρέω ('to keep, observe, preserve'), φρουρέω implies active, often external protective vigilance rather than mere preservation or attention.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of πρό and ὁράω; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect:--keep (with a garrison). Compare τηρέω.
Root Family
φρουρέω (phrouréō) — to guard, to watch, to protect
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5432-03 |
φρουρήσει | phrouresei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will guard | he/she/it will guard | 1 |
G5432-02 |
ἐφρουρούμεθα | ephrouroumetha | V IMPF PASS IND 1P PL |
we were kept | we were being guarded | 1 |
G5432-01 |
ἐφρούρει | ephrourei | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
he/she/it was guarding | 1 | |
G5432-04 |
φρουρουμένους | phrouroumenous | V PRS PASS PTCP ACC M PL |
are being guarded | being kept under guard | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5432-01 |
2 Corinthians 11:32 | ἐφρούρει | ephrourei | V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG |
he/she/it was guarding | |
G5432-02 |
Galatians 3:23 | ἐφρουρούμεθα | ephrouroumetha | V IMPF PASS IND 1P PL |
we were kept | we were being guarded |
G5432-03 |
Philippians 4:7 | φρουρήσει | phrouresei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will guard | he/she/it will guard |
G5432-04 |
1 Peter 1:5 | φρουρουμένους | phrouroumenous | V PRS PASS PTCP ACC M PL |
are being guarded | being kept under guard |