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G805 · Greek · New Testament
ἀσφαλίζω
Asphalizo
Verb
To make secure, to fasten firmly

Definition

The Greek verb asphalizo means to make secure, to fasten firmly, or to guard carefully. Matthew uses it when the chief priests ask Pilate to make the tomb as secure as possible against the disciples stealing Jesus' body (Matthew 27:64-66). They sealed the stone and posted guards.

Usage & Theological Significance

The irony of asphalizo in Matthew 27 is profound: every human means was deployed to secure the tomb — seals, guards, official authorization — yet none of it could contain the resurrection. What they made asphalizo from human interference, God opened by divine power. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out (He could pass through closed doors) but to let the witnesses in. The futility of securing the tomb against the God of life foreshadows the futility of every attempt to contain or silence the risen Christ.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 27:64 Give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day.
Matthew 27:65 Take a guard, Pilate answered. Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.
Matthew 27:66 So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.
Acts 16:24 When he received these orders, he put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.
Psalm 2:4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.

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