ἀσφαλίζω (G805) — Greek Lexicon

ἀσφαλίζω

asphalízō

G805 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To make secure, to fasten securely, to make something safe from escape, loss, or interference. The verb denotes the action of assuring stability, closing up, or protecting something against tampering or danger. Contextually, it may refer to fastening a door or seal, guarding against unauthorized entry or escape, or ensuring security more generally.

Semantic Range

to make secure, to guard, to fasten tightly, to seal up, to protect from escape or interference, to assure safety or stability

Root / Etymology

From the adjective ἀσφαλής (secure, firm, unfailing) with the verbal ending -ίζω signifying 'to make or render.' The adjective is itself composed of ἀ- (a negative prefix) and the root σφάλλω (to cause to fall, to trip), together signifying that which is not liable to make one fall; thus 'firm' or 'secure.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀσφαλίζω is rare, with the root ἀσφαλής more frequently used to describe physical or metaphorical firmness and security. In the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, ἀσφαλίζω appears in contexts of making something secure or guarding it. Notably, the verb occurs in Matthew 27:64–66 with reference to securing the tomb—closing and sealing it to prevent tampering or theft, and in Acts 16:24 for securing prisoners. The English translations 'make fast' or 'make sure' may not convey the nuance of preventing interference or escape inherent in the Greek usage. The term can extend to various domains: locking, sealing, watching closely, or otherwise actively rendering something safe from disturbance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀσφαλής; to render secure:--make fast (sure).

Root Family

ἀσφαλίζω (asphalizō) — to secure, to make safe, to fasten

Root ἀσφαλ- to secure, to make safe, to fasten

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G805-03`	ἠσφαλίσαντο	esphalisanto	`V AOR MID IND 3P PL`	made secure	they secured for themselves	they secured for themselves	1
`G805-04`	ἠσφαλίσατο	esphalisato	`V AOR MID IND 3P SG`	fastened	he secured for himself	he secured for himself	1
`G805-02`	ἀσφαλισθῆναι	asphalisthenai	`V AOR PASS INF`	to be made secure	to be made secure	to be made secure	1
`G805-01`	ἀσφαλίσασθε	asphalisasthe	`V AOR MID IMP 2P PL`	make it as secure	Secure for yourselves!	secure it	1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G805-02`	Matthew 27:64	ἀσφαλισθῆναι	asphalisthenai	`V AOR PASS INF`	to be made secure	to be made secure	to be made secure
`G805-01`	Matthew 27:65	ἀσφαλίσασθε	asphalisasthe	`V AOR MID IMP 2P PL`	make it as secure	Secure for yourselves!	secure it
`G805-03`	Matthew 27:66	ἠσφαλίσαντο	esphalisanto	`V AOR MID IND 3P PL`	made secure	they secured for themselves	they secured for themselves
`G805-04`	Acts 16:24	ἠσφαλίσατο	esphalisato	`V AOR MID IND 3P SG`	fastened	he secured for himself	he secured for himself

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