ἀσφαλής (asphalēs)
asphalēs
secure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective asphalēs describes something that is firm, secure, or certain. Its root meaning comes from a negative prefix combined with a word for "tripping," so it literally means "unfailing" or "not liable to stumble. This imagery suggests stability and reliability, making it a strong descriptor for things that can be trusted without risk.
In the New Testament, this word appears in five verses, often highlighting safety or certainty. In Acts, it describes soldiers who are secure in their position (Acts 21:34; 22:30) and a letter that is safe to read (Acts 25:26). Paul uses it to express confidence in his own standing before God (Philippians 3:1), while the author of Hebrews compares hope to an anchor that is secure and steadfast (Hebrews 6:19).
The word’s emphasis on physical or moral stability makes it distinct from mere probability. It conveys a sense of being firmly established, whether referring to people, documents, or spiritual realities like hope. Translators typically render it as "secure," "safe," or "certain," depending on the context, preserving the original sense of unwavering reliability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word asphalēs paints a vivid picture of stability. Literally meaning "not tripping," it describes something so firmly fixed that it cannot be shaken or lost. In the New Testament, this term moves beyond simple physical safety to describe a deep, unshakable certainty. It is the opposite of precariousness; it is the feeling of standing on ground that will not give way beneath your feet.
For your faith life, this offers profound comfort. While circumstances around us may feel chaotic, like the noisy crowds in Acts or the uncertain political pressures Paul faced, our spiritual hope is described as asphalēs. Hebrews 6:19 calls it an anchor for the soul—sure and steadfast. This means your trust in God is not built on shifting sand but on a foundation that holds fast, even when the storm rages.
You do not have to carry the weight of uncertainty alone. When life feels unstable, you can rest in the knowledge that what God has promised is secure. This reliability invites you to face each day with peace, knowing your hope is anchored in something eternal and unmovable, rather than in the fleeting trends of the world.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sure1×
- for certain1×
- facts1×
- definite1×
- [is] safe.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀσφαλῆ1×
- ἀσφαλές.¶1×
- ἀσφαλές,1×
- ἀσφαλές1×
- ἀσφαλὲς1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 6:19
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil,
This verse applies the word to hope, describing it as an anchor that is sure and steadfast, providing stability for the soul in turbulent times.
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Philippians 3:1
Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.
Paul uses the term to describe his repeated warnings as 'safe' or secure for the believers, implying that adhering to this truth protects their spiritual standing.
-
Acts 25:26
of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examination I may have something to write.
Here the word translates 'certain,' highlighting King Agrippa's need for a definite, reliable account of Paul’s case rather than vague rumors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does asphalēs mean in the Bible?
Where does asphalēs appear in Scripture?
How is asphalēs different from other words for safety?
Every Occurrence (5 verses across 3 books)
Acts 3 verses
Some shouted one thing and some another, among the crowd. When he couldn’t find out the truth because of the noise, he…
Acts 22:30But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why he was accused by the Jews, he freed him from the bonds and…
Acts 25:26of whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him out before you, and especially before…