Original Word: ἀσφάλεια
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: asphaleia
Pronunciation: as-fal'-i-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (as-fal'-i-ah)
Definition: Security, safety, certainty
Meaning: safety, security, reliability, firmness.

certainty, safety.

From asphales; security (literally or figuratively) -- certainty, safety.

see GREEK asphales

Cognate: 803 aspháleia (from 1 /A "not" and sphallō, "totter") – firmness that equates to security.

Word Origin
from asphalés
Definition
certainty, security
NASB Translation
exact truth (1), safety (1), securely (1).

STRONGS NT 803: ἀσφάλεια

ἀσφάλεια, ἀσφαλείας, ἡ (ἀσφαλής) (from Aeschylus down);

a. firmness, stability: ἐν πάσῃ ἀσφάλεια most securely, Acts 5:23. tropically, certainty, undoubted truth: λόγων (see λόγος, I. 7), Luke 1:4 (τοῦ λόγου, the certainty of a proof, Xenophon, mem. 4, 6, 15).

b. security from enemies and dangers, safety: 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (opposed to κίνδυνος, Xenophon, mem. 3, 12, 7).

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ἀσφαλής (asphalēs), meaning "secure" or "certain."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀσφάλεια, similar concepts can be found in Hebrew words such as:

- בֶּטַח (betach) [Strong's Hebrew 983]: Meaning security, safety, or confidence. It is often used in the Old Testament to describe a state of trust and assurance, particularly in relation to God's protection.

- שָׁלוֹם (shalom) [Strong's Hebrew 7965]: While primarily meaning peace, shalom also encompasses the idea of safety and completeness, reflecting a holistic sense of well-being and security.

These Hebrew terms, like ἀσφάλεια, convey the biblical theme that true security is rooted in a relationship with God, rather than in human efforts or circumstances.

Usage: The word ἀσφάλεια is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of security or safety, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. It appears in contexts that discuss peace, stability, and the absence of fear or threat.

Context: The Greek term ἀσφάλεια (asphaleia) is used in the New Testament to describe a condition of safety and security. It is found in several passages, each highlighting different aspects of this concept:

- Acts 5:23 (BSB): "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards posted at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." Here, ἀσφάλεια is used to describe the physical security of a prison, emphasizing the measures taken to ensure that the prisoners could not escape.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (BSB): "While people are saying, 'Peace and security,' destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape." In this context, ἀσφάλεια refers to a false sense of security. The passage warns against complacency and the assumption of safety when, in reality, danger is imminent.

- Luke 1:4 (BSB): "so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught." Here, ἀσφάλεια is translated as "certainty," indicating a firm assurance in the truth of the teachings received.

The concept of ἀσφάλεια in the New Testament often contrasts human perceptions of security with the true security found in God. While people may seek safety in worldly structures or assurances, the Bible emphasizes that ultimate security is found in faith and trust in God.

ασφαλεια ασφαλεία ασφάλεια ἀσφαλείᾳ ἀσφάλεια ασφαλειαν ασφάλειαν ἀσφάλειαν ασφαλείας asphaleia aspháleia asphaleíāi asphaleian aspháleianInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts