ἀσφαλῶς
asphalōs
G806 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a safe or secure manner; with certainty or reliability. The adverb ἀσφαλῶς primarily means 'securely' either in a literal sense (in a manner not exposed to danger, securely, safely) or in a figurative sense (reliably, assuredly, with certainty). By extension, it may refer to reporting or declaring something with confidence, i.e., 'surely, certainly, assuredly.'
Semantic Range
securely, safely, in a safe manner, reliably, with assurance, certainly, assuredly, with certainty
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἀσφαλής (safe, secure), which is derived from the privative prefix ἀ- ('not') and the root σφάλλω ('to fall, trip, cause to stumble'), so etymologically 'that which does not fall/trip.' The adverb ἀσφαλῶς forms regularly from the adjective with the adverbial suffix -ως.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek and into the Hellenistic and Koine periods, ἀσφαλῶς was used both literally (e.g., safely, without danger) and figuratively (e.g., certainly, undeniably, assuredly). In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term frequently appears in contexts emphasizing the reliability or safety of an action, report, or state (Luke 1:4: 'that you may know the certainty'; Acts 16:23: 'secured the prison'). The notion of 'assuredly' or 'definitely' overlaps with concepts of epistemological certainty, i.e., the reliability of what is asserted or promised. English translations sometimes narrow the meaning to 'safely' or 'securely,' but the word can also indicate reliability or assuredness in testimony or record, so 'certainly' or 'with certainty' can also be valid. Its usage does not typically carry a theological weight, but rather depicts the quality of security (literal or cognitive) in the action or statement described.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from ἀσφαλής; securely (literally or figuratively):--assuredly, safely.
Root Family
ἀσφαλῶς (asphalōs) — secure, safe, firm, reliable
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G806-01 |
ἀσφαλῶς | asphalos | ADV |
securely | securely | securely | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G806-01 |
Mark 14:44 | ἀσφαλῶς | asphalos | ADV |
securely | securely | securely |
G806-01 |
Acts 2:36 | ἀσφαλῶς | asphalos | ADV |
for certain | securely | with certainty |
G806-01 |
Acts 16:23 | ἀσφαλῶς | asphalos | ADV |
securely | securely | securely |