Strong's g1200

Pronunciation Guide: des-mof-oo’-lax (emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1200: The Greek word δεσμοφύλαξ refers to a jailer or prison keeper in ancient times. It specifically denotes an official responsible for guarding prisoners, ensuring they remain confined, and maintaining order within the prison. This term appears in one of the most dramatic conversion narratives in the New Testament, highlighting how God’s power can transform lives even in the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun, masculine
• Compound word formed from δεσμός (desmos, “bond” or “fetter”) and φύλαξ (phylax, “guard” or “keeper”)
• Language origin: Koine Greek
• Primary usage: Narrative sections of Acts
• Appears in contexts of imprisonment and divine intervention

δεσμοφύλαξ Morphology:

• δεσμοφύλαξ (nominative singular) – the jailer/prison keeper
• δεσμοφύλακος (genitive singular) – of the jailer/prison keeper
• δεσμοφύλακι (dative singular) – to/for the jailer/prison keeper
• δεσμοφύλακα (accusative singular) – the jailer/prison keeper (as direct object)

Origin & History

The term δεσμοφύλαξ reflects the Roman penal system that was in place throughout the Mediterranean world during the first century CE. The compound construction combines the Greek words for “bonds” or “fetters” (δεσμός) with “guard” (φύλαξ), creating a term that literally means “guard of the bonds” or “keeper of the fetters.” This accurately described the primary function of such officials in ancient society.

In classical Greek literature, variations of φύλαξ appear frequently to denote guards or watchmen of various kinds. For example, Plato uses the term φύλαξ in “The Republic” when discussing the guardians of the ideal state. The specific compound δεσμοφύλαξ, however, seems to have been used primarily in administrative and legal contexts during the Hellenistic and Roman periods to designate prison officials. The Septuagint (LXX) does not use this specific term, suggesting it may have gained prominence during the Roman period.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A prison warden or superintendent responsible for maintaining order and security in a prison
• An official jailer employed by Roman authorities to guard prisoners
• A custodian of those bound in chains or fetters
• A keeper of incarcerated individuals with legal authority to enforce imprisonment

δεσμοφύλαξ Translation Options:

• Jailer – Emphasizes the official’s role in maintaining the prison facility
• Prison keeper – Highlights the guardianship aspect of the position
• Prison warden – Reflects the administrative authority held by the δεσμοφύλαξ
• Custodian of prisoners – Captures the responsibility for the prisoners themselves
• Guard – Simplifies the role but might miss the official nature of the position

Biblical Usage

The term δεσμοφύλαξ appears exclusively in Acts 16, specifically in the narrative of Paul and Silas’s imprisonment in Philippi. This limited usage gives the word particular significance in the context of divine intervention and miraculous conversion. In this dramatic account, the prison keeper transitions from being an instrument of Paul and Silas’s punishment to becoming a believer in the Messiah.

The Philippian jailer’s story showcases how Yahweh can work through even the most challenging circumstances. After an earthquake miraculously opened the prison doors, the δεσμοφύλαξ prepared to take his own life, assuming the prisoners had escaped (an offense punishable by death under Roman law). Paul’s assurance that all prisoners remained present led to the jailer’s profound question: “What must I do to be saved?” This moment represents one of the most direct evangelistic opportunities in the New Testament.

• “And when they had struck them with many blows, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer [δεσμοφύλακι] to keep them safely.” Acts 16:23
• “The jailer [δεσμοφύλαξ] reported these words to Paul.” Acts 16:36
• “And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.” Acts 16:33 (referring to the actions of the δεσμοφύλαξ)

Cultural Insights

In the Roman Empire, the position of δεσμοφύλαξ was both important and precarious. Prison keepers were typically retired soldiers or middle-ranking civil servants who had responsibility for imperial prisoners. Their duty was taken extremely seriously—failure to keep prisoners secure was often punishable by assuming the sentence of escaped prisoners, which could mean death. This explains why the Philippian jailer drew his sword to kill himself when he thought his prisoners had escaped.

Roman prisons were not primarily places of long-term incarceration as in modern times. Rather, they were holding facilities where accused persons awaited trial or execution. The inner prison (ἐσωτέραν φυλακήν) mentioned in Acts 16:24 likely referred to a secure, underground chamber with minimal light and air. Prisoners there would often have their feet secured in wooden stocks (ξύλον), which both prevented escape and caused significant physical distress. The position in which Paul and Silas were held would have made their midnight singing and praying all the more remarkable—a testament to their faith that ultimately impacted the δεσμοφύλαξ.

Theological Significance

The account of the δεσμοφύλαξ in Acts 16 powerfully illustrates Yahweh’s sovereignty and the transformative power of the Gospel. Here we see divine orchestration at work: Yahweh used an earthquake not primarily to free the apostles but to create an opportunity for the jailer’s salvation. This demonstrates that no circumstance is beyond God’s redemptive purposes—even imprisonment can become a setting for powerful ministry.

The jailer’s question, “What must I do to be saved?” receives one of the clearest soteriological answers in Scripture: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household” (Acts 16:31). This passage illuminates the core of the Gospel message—salvation through faith in the Messiah—while also highlighting the communal aspect of faith as the jailer’s entire household comes to belief. The δεσμοφύλαξ’s immediate baptism and joyful response demonstrate genuine conversion, moving from fear of earthly punishment to celebration of heavenly salvation.

This narrative also reveals how the Kingdom of Yahweh subverts human power structures. The jailer—a representative of Roman authority—humbles himself before his prisoners, washes their wounds, and submits to their spiritual authority. The one who kept others in bonds is himself set free from spiritual bondage, illustrating Isaiah’s prophecy that the Messiah would “proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound” (Isaiah 61:1).

Personal Application

The story of the δεσμοφύλαξ reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of Yahweh’s grace. This prison keeper went from being an instrument of Paul and Silas’s suffering to their brother in faith in a single night. His dramatic transformation challenges us to recognize that those who seem most opposed to the Gospel may be one divine encounter away from surrender to the Messiah.

Like the Philippian jailer, we too must ask, “What must I do to be saved?” And the answer remains the same: believe in the Lord Jesus. This simplicity of faith is profound—salvation comes not through our efforts or righteousness but through trusting in Him. Furthermore, the immediate and practical expressions of the jailer’s new faith—washing the apostles’ wounds, opening his home, and providing a meal—remind us that genuine belief manifests in tangible acts of service and hospitality. Our faith, like his, should lead to immediate and practical expressions of love.

Related Words

• δεσμός (desmos) – bond, fetter, chain; refers to physical restraints used to secure prisoners. This word forms the first part of δεσμοφύλαξ and appears in multiple contexts regarding imprisonment. See G1199
• φυλακή (phylakē) – guard, watch, prison; refers both to the act of guarding and to the prison itself. Shares the same root as the second part of δεσμοφύλαξ. See G5438
• δέσμιος (desmios) – prisoner, captive; describes someone who is bound or imprisoned. Derived from the same root as the first part of δεσμοφύλαξ. See G1198
• τηρέω (tēreō) – to watch over, guard, keep; often used to describe the action of guarding prisoners or keeping commandments. See G5083
• φρουρέω (phroureō) – to guard, protect, keep; used metaphorically for spiritual protection as well as literal guarding. See G5432

Did you Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Rome, prison keepers (δεσμοφύλακες) often lived with their families in quarters attached to or above the prison? This explains how the Philippian jailer’s entire household was present and able to hear Paul and Silas’s message, be baptized, and share a meal with them in the middle of the night. The prison was likely part of his home, making the conversion of his household both natural and immediate.
• Did you know that Roman law made prison keepers personally liable for escapes? The Digest of Justinian (a collection of Roman laws) states that a guard who allows a prisoner to escape faces the same punishment the prisoner would have received. This legal reality explains why the δεσμοφύλαξ in Acts 16 immediately prepared to take his own life when he thought the prisoners had escaped after the earthquake—he knew he would face execution and perhaps preferred to die by his own hand.
• Did you know that the Philippian jailer (δεσμοφύλαξ) is one of only a few individuals in the New Testament whose conversion story is told without revealing their name? Despite his anonymity, his story has become one of the most famous conversion accounts in Scripture, demonstrating that Yahweh works through ordinary people in all stations of life. Some scholars suggest he may have become part of the Philippian church leadership, possibly even being among those Paul later addressed as “overseers and deacons” in his letter to the Philippians.

Remember This

The δεσμοφύλαξ reminds us that Yahweh’s saving power can break through even the most secure prison walls—whether physical or spiritual—transforming captors into disciples and turning places of suffering into sanctuaries of praise.