Lexical Summary phulakizó: To imprison, to guard, to keep watch over Original Word: φυλακίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance imprison. From phulax; to incarcerate -- imprison. see GREEK phulax NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom phulax Definition to imprison NASB Translation imprison (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5439: φυλακίζωφυλακίζω; (φυλακή (or φύλαξ)); to cast into prison, imprison: Acts 22:19. (Wis. 18:4; ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.) Topical Lexicon Root and Range of Meaning Derived from the noun for a guard-house or prison, the verb in Acts 22:19 expresses the deliberate act of placing someone under restraint. It is more than a static description of custody; it conveys purposeful hostility that seizes, confines, and seeks to silence. Biblical Occurrence Acts 22:19 supplies the sole New Testament use: “Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believe in You” (Berean Standard Bible). Spoken by the apostle Paul while recounting his pre-conversion zeal, the verb depicts an aggressive campaign against believers, carried out with legal authority yet in spiritual blindness. Historical Background: Jewish and Roman Imprisonment First-century Judaism possessed limited penal powers. Synagogue leaders could scourge (Matthew 10:17) and hand suspects to the Sanhedrin, whose guard (Acts 5:18) held prisoners until Romans confirmed sentences. Rome’s system, in turn, used several grades of custody—from households (Acts 28:16), to city stocks (Acts 16:24), to the Antonia Fortress (Acts 23:10). Paul’s testimony implies he cooperated with both frameworks, dragging believers from synagogues (Acts 8:3) and delivering them to official jails (Acts 26:10). Saul’s Zeal and Christian Persecution Imprisonment was one weapon in Saul’s arsenal. He “was ravaging the church” (Acts 8:3) and “breathing out threats and murder” (Acts 9:1). The verb in Acts 22:19 summarizes that violent program. Yet the Lord who was “sending you far away to the Gentiles” (Acts 22:21) turned the persecutor into a prisoner for the gospel (Philippians 1:12-14). The single usage of the verb therefore anchors a dramatic reversal: the jailer becomes the jailed, the oppressor the ambassador of grace. Theological Insights 1. Human wrath cannot thwart divine purpose. By allowing Saul’s imprisoning zeal, God prepared him to understand the plight of saints under chains and to pen letters from custody that enrich the church. Ministry Applications • Pray for persecutors. The Spirit who transformed Saul can still convert today’s oppressors. Related Scriptures for Study Acts 5:18; Acts 8:3; Acts 9:1-2; Acts 16:23-34; Acts 26:10-11; Philippians 1:12-14; 2 Timothy 2:9; Hebrews 13:3; Revelation 2:10. Forms and Transliterations φυλακιζων φυλακίζων φυλάκισσαν phulakizon phulakizōn phylakizon phylakizōn phylakízon phylakízōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 22:19 V-PPA-NMSGRK: ἐγὼ ἤμην φυλακίζων καὶ δέρων NAS: after another I used to imprison and beat INT: I was imprisoning and beating |
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