ἅλυσις (halusis)
halusis
chain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun halusis refers to a chain or bond used to restrain a person’s body, particularly their hands and feet. In the New Testament, this word appears ten times, primarily in the Book of Acts but also in Mark, Ephesians, 2 Timothy, and Revelation. It describes the physical instruments of imprisonment that restrict movement and liberty.
The sources highlight its use in vivid narratives of confinement. For instance, Mark 5:3-4 and Luke 8:29 describe a demon-possessed man who was bound with chains but broke them apart, illustrating the powerlessness of metal against spiritual forces. In Acts, Paul is frequently described as being held by halusis, such as when an angel frees him from his bonds in Acts 12:7 or when he appeals to Caesar while chained in Rome (Acts 28:20).
Its presence in Revelation 20:1 marks a final eschatological image, where Satan is bound with a great chain. This usage underscores the word’s theological weight: halusis represents human limitation and oppression, which God can override or ultimately employ to execute judgment. Translators consistently render it as "chain," preserving the concrete reality of physical restraint.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word halusis points to the heavy iron chains that held prisoners in the ancient world. In Acts, we see Paul bound by these chains while awaiting trial. Yet he calls himself an ambassador in chains, showing that physical restraint could not stop the Gospel from spreading. His situation reminds us that our circumstances do not define our freedom or our calling.
Even more striking is the story of Peter, who slept between two soldiers with two chains binding him. When the angel struck him, the chains simply fell off. This image offers comfort: no matter how tight the bonds seem in your life, God’s power can break them. The metal could not hold Peter, and it cannot hold the hope we have in Christ.
Whether facing legal trouble or spiritual struggle, these verses show that human limits are temporary. We are invited to trust that the One who freed Peter is also with us in our confinement, bringing light where there is darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with chains4×
- chains2×
- chain2×
- with a chain1×
- a chain,1×
- a chain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁλύσεσιν4×
- ἅλυσιν2×
- ἁλύσεις2×
- ἅλυσίν1×
- ἁλύσει,1×
- ἁλύσει1×
Key Verses
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Acts 12:7
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
This verse shows the chains falling off automatically when the angel struck Peter, highlighting divine intervention over human effort.
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Ephesians 6:20
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Paul uses this word to describe his role as an ambassador, showing that physical imprisonment did not silence his bold witness.
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Mark 5:4
because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
This occurrence illustrates the futility of chains against spiritual forces, as the demon-possessed man tore them apart repeatedly.
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Acts 28:20
For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Paul references this chain to explain his appeal to Caesar, linking his physical bonds to the hope of Israel.