δεσμοφύλαξ (desmophulax)
desmophulax
jailer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun desmophulax refers to a prison-keeper or jailer, combining the words for "bond" and "guard." This specific term appears only three times in the New Testament, all within Acts 16 during Paul’s imprisonment in Philippi. It identifies the official responsible for securing the prisoners rather than a high-ranking magistrate.
The narrative highlights this figure’s personal involvement when he assumes responsibility for Paul and Silas. In verse 27, fearing the prisoners have escaped, he draws his sword to kill himself, only to be stopped by Paul’s voice. The term underscores the human element of Roman justice, where individual guards bore the weight of their charges’ safety.
Translators typically render desmophulax as "jailer" or "prison keeper." This choice distinguishes the role from broader terms for authority, focusing on the duty of watchfulness. The word remains a precise label for the man who witnessed the miraculous release and subsequently asked about salvation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word desmophulax describes a man tasked with keeping prisoners locked away. In Acts 16, this jailer held the keys to Paul and Silas’s fate. His story shows how God can reach anyone, even those in positions of authority or fear. When the earthquake opened the doors, he did not see escape; he saw shame and death. This moment reveals that spiritual freedom often begins when human control ends.
His change from despair to faith reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s reach. The jailer asked what he must do to be saved, showing that curiosity can lead to genuine belief. We may not face prison cells, but we all encounter moments where our plans fail and we need grace. This word invites us to trust that God works in unexpected places.
It encourages us to look beyond surface roles. The jailer was more than a guard; he became a brother in Christ. His story suggests that our current circumstances do not define our final destination. Hope remains available when we open ourselves to divine intervention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- jailer2×
- to jailer1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεσμοφύλαξ2×
- δεσμοφύλακι1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 16:23
When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.
This verse establishes the jailer’s official duty to keep Paul and Silas securely, setting the stage for the miraculous events that follow.
-
Acts 16:27
The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
Here the jailer’s despair peaks as he assumes the prisoners have escaped, leading him to threaten suicide until Paul stops him.
-
Acts 16:36
The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out and go in peace.”
The jailer delivers the magistrates’ message of release, marking his transition from a fearful guard to a messenger of peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does desmophulax mean in the Bible?
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Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Acts 3 verses
When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely.
Acts 16:27The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself,…
Acts 16:36The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out and…