διαφυλάσσω (diaphulassō)
diaphulassō
to protect
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb diaphulassō means to guard with thorough care or to protect someone from harm. It appears only once in the New Testament, found in Luke 4:10 where Jesus quotes Psalm 91 during His temptation. In this context, it describes God’s promise to command His angels regarding believers, ensuring their safety.
This word combines a prefix meaning "through" or "thoroughly" with a root meaning "to watch" or "keep." The sources note that the Septuagint frequently used this term to translate the Hebrew verb shamar, particularly in passages emphasizing divine providence. By choosing this specific word, the text highlights not just general protection, but a vigilant, comprehensive guarding.
The usage underscores a theological point about God’s active involvement in preserving His people. Rather than implying passive safety, diaphulassō suggests an attentive watchfulness that covers every aspect of a person’s life. This single occurrence connects Jesus’ teaching directly to the Old Testament imagery of angelic guardianship found in Psalm 91:11.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word diaphulassō carries a sense of thorough, vigilant protection. It appears in Luke 4:10, where Jesus quotes Psalm 91 during His temptation in the wilderness. Here, it describes God’s promise to command His angels to guard believers with careful attention. This is not a vague wish for safety, but a specific assurance of divine watchfulness.
When you face uncertainty or fear, this verse offers a grounded hope. You are not left to navigate life alone without oversight. The text suggests that God actively involves Himself in preserving His people, ensuring their safety through angelic ministry. This comprehensive guarding covers every aspect of your journey, offering peace amidst trials.
Reflecting on this promise can bring comfort. It reminds us that our protection comes from a vigilant God who cares deeply for our well-being. You can rest in the knowledge that you are held securely in His hands, under His careful watch.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to guard1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- διαφυλάξαι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 4:10
for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you;’
This is the only New Testament occurrence of diaphulassō, where Jesus uses it to affirm God's active angelic guardianship during His own temptation.