ἀσφαλίζω (asphalizō)
asphalizō
to secure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb asphalizō means to make something firm or secure against harm. It appears only four times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, describing physical acts of stabilization rather than abstract concepts.
In Matthew 27:65-66, Roman soldiers use it to describe securing Jesus’ tomb with a seal and setting a guard. Similarly, in Acts 16:24, the jailer fastens Paul and Silas securely in stocks after an earthquake. These concrete examples show the word’s focus on physical restraint and safety.
Its root relates to the adjective asphalēs, meaning "firm" or "unshakable." The term emphasizes making something stable so it cannot be moved or broken. Translators often render it as "secure," "fasten," or "make sure," depending on context.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word asphalizō describes making something firm or secure against harm. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, always in concrete physical settings. Roman soldiers used it to seal Jesus’ tomb and set a guard (Matthew 27:65-66). A jailer used it to fasten Paul and Silas in stocks after an earthquake (Acts 16:24). These examples show the word’s focus on stability and protection through tangible means.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s plans are secure. Even when enemies tried to stop Jesus’ resurrection by sealing the tomb, they could not undo what God had ordained. The same power that raised Christ also keeps you safe in Him. When life feels unstable, remember that your hope rests on a foundation no seal or guard can break.
This word invites trust in God’s unshakable promises. While human efforts to control outcomes often fail, God’s purposes stand firm. You can rest in the knowledge that nothing—not death, not imprisonment, not deception—can separate you from His love. Your security is found in Him alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be secured1×
- they made secure1×
- fastened1×
- do make [it as] secure1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠσφαλίσατο1×
- ἠσφαλίσαντο1×
- ἀσφαλίσασθε1×
- ἀσφαλισθῆναι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 27:65
Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.”
Pilate’s command to 'make it as secure as you can' highlights human effort to control outcomes, which ultimately fails against God’s plan.
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Acts 16:24
Having received such a command, he threw them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks.
The jailer securing Paul and Silas in stocks shows physical restraint, yet the earthquake demonstrates that God’s power cannot be contained by chains.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does asphalizō mean?
How is it different from other words for 'secure'?
Where does it appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 2 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal…
Matthew 27:65Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.”
Matthew 27:66So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.