φυλάσσω (phulassō)
phulassō
to keep/guard: observe
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phulassō conveys the active sense of guarding, watching, or protecting something from harm or loss. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from literal security to spiritual preservation. For instance, Luke describes shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night (Luke 2:8), while John records Jesus praying that God would protect his followers from the evil one (John 17:15). The word implies a vigilant care that ensures safety and prevents violation.
A key distinction emerges in how the term applies to divine action versus human duty. When used of God, as in 2 Timothy 1:12 where Paul speaks of being kept by the Lord, it emphasizes preservation through power. Conversely, when applied to people, such as in Matthew 19:20 where a young man claims to have kept the commandments, it denotes obedience and careful observance of moral laws. This dual usage highlights both God’s protective role and the believer’s responsibility to remain steadfast.
The word often carries a nuance of vigilance against specific threats. In Acts 12:4, Herod orders Jesus’ disciple Peter to be kept under guard, illustrating its use for physical confinement. Yet in 1 John 5:21, the call is to keep oneself from idols, shifting the focus to spiritual alertness. This range shows phulassō as a term that bridges tangible security with intangible faithfulness, urging believers to remain watchful in both body and spirit.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word phulassō paints a picture of active, vigilant care. It is not passive waiting but a steady watchfulness against specific threats. In Luke’s Gospel, shepherds keep watch over their flocks through the night, ensuring no harm comes to the sheep. This same energy applies to our spiritual lives. We are called to guard our hearts from covetousness and to remain alert to the influences around us.
Yet this word also points to God’s faithful protection. When Paul writes that he is persuaded God can guard what has been committed to Him, he expresses deep trust in divine preservation. You do not have to carry the weight of your safety alone. Whether you are facing external pressures or internal struggles, this promise offers a solid ground for hope. It invites us to rest in the One who watches over us with unwavering attention.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- keeping3×
- to keep2×
- to guard2×
- do keep2×
- I have kept2×
- you may keep1×
- will keep1×
- watching over1×
- to keep from1×
- to be guarded1×
- shall keep,1×
- shall keep [them],1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφύλαξα2×
- φύλαξον2×
- φυλάσσων2×
- φυλάσσοντες2×
- φυλάσσεσθε2×
- φυλάσσεσθαι2×
- φυλάσσειν2×
- φυλάξει2×
- φυλάξαι2×
- ἐφύλαξεν1×
- ἐφύλαξα,1×
- ἐφυλάξατε.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:8
There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.
This verse illustrates the literal sense of the word, showing shepherds actively watching over their flock to prevent harm.
-
John 17:12
While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. I have kept those whom you have given me. None of them is lost except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.
Here Jesus describes His personal role in keeping the disciples safe through God’s name, highlighting divine preservation.
-
II Timothy 1:12
For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that he is able to guard that which I have committed to him against that day.
Paul uses this term to express confidence that God will guard his soul until the final day, emphasizing trust in God's power.
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Luke 11:28
But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”
Jesus redefines blessing not by physical guarding but by hearing and keeping God’s word, shifting focus to spiritual obedience.