ἅλυσις
halusis
chain
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word ἅλυσις (halusis) is a Greek term that translates to "chain." It refers to a physical binding or restraint, likely made of metal or cord, used to hold or imprison someone. This word appears 11 times in the Bible, indicating its significance in various contexts. The usage of ἅλυσις reveals a range of activities related to imprisonment, including locking someone in a place (e.g., prison) or binding them with chains. Given its literal meaning, this word is likely used in scenarios where physical restraint is necessary. In biblical contexts, this might involve captivity, confinement, or punishment. This word's frequency and recurring usage in the Bible suggest its importance within the narrative, possibly serving as a symbol for the state of being confined, limited, or restricted. Its meaning is straightforward and does not require interpretation beyond its definition, providing a clear understanding of the physical and literal implications of being bound by a chain.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
11 total occurrences across the text
He lived in the tombs. Nobody could bind him any more, not even with chains,
Mark 5:4because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
Mark 5:4because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
Luke 8:29For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For the unclean spirit had often seized the man. He was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters. Breaking the bonds apart, he was driven by the demon into the desert.
Acts 12:6The same night when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.
Acts 12:7And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, “Stand up quickly!” His chains fell off his hands.
Acts 21:33Then the commanding officer came near, arrested him, commanded him to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done.
Acts 28:20For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.”
Ephesians 6:20for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
2 Timothy 1:16May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
Revelation 20:1I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand.