from a compound of πρό and ὁράω; to be a watcher in advance, i.e. to mount guard as a sentinel (post spies at gates); figuratively, to hem in, protect:--keep (with a garrison). Compare τηρέω.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phrouréō**, represented by `{{G5432}}`, means to mount guard as a sentinel, or figuratively, to hem in and protect. Its core meaning is drawn from the idea of a military garrison. It appears 5 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating a concept of being guarded or kept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5432}}` carries both a literal and a figurative sense. The literal military application is seen in 2 Corinthians, where the governor of Damascus "kept the city... with a garrison" to prevent an escape [[2 Corinthians 11:32]]. Figuratively, the word describes divine protection, as in [[Philippians 4:7]] where the "peace of God... shall keep" the hearts and minds of believers. This protective sense is also seen in [[1 Peter 1:5]], where believers are "kept by the power of God." A different figurative use appears in [[Galatians 3:23]], where, before the arrival of faith, people were "kept under the law," indicating a state of being watched over or confined.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{G5432}}` is used:
* `{{G1515}}` **eirḗnē** (peace; by implication, prosperity): This is the agent that actively "keeps" the hearts of believers, highlighting that the guard is a state of divine tranquility from God [[Philippians 4:7]].
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (force; specially, miraculous power): This is the source of the believer's protection, emphasizing that God's own power is the garrison that keeps them secure unto salvation [[1 Peter 1:5]].
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (persuasion... faith): Faith is the condition through which believers are kept by God's power [[1 Peter 1:5]]. It is also the reality that the law was guarding people "unto" [[Galatians 3:23]].
* `{{G4788}}` **synkleíō** (to shut together, i.e. include or... embrace in a common subjection to): This word is used alongside `{{G5432}}` to reinforce the idea of confinement under the law, describing people as being "shut up" until faith was revealed [[Galatians 3:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5432}}` is significant, highlighting how God guards His people and His purposes.
* **Active Spiritual Protection:** The word is used to describe how God's peace and power actively function as a sentinel over the inner life of a believer, protecting their heart and mind in Christ Jesus ([[Philippians 4:7]], [[1 Peter 1:5]]).
* **The Law as a Guardian:** Before the coming of Christ, the law served a guarding function. It kept people "shut up" or in protective custody, preserving them for the coming revelation of faith [[Galatians 3:23]].
* **Preservation for Salvation:** The act of being "kept" is directly linked to the final outcome of salvation, which is ready to be revealed in the last time. The guarding is not temporary but ensures a future deliverance [[1 Peter 1:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5432}}` is a powerful term describing the act of guarding with military-like vigilance. Whether used literally for a city under watch or figuratively for a believer's heart, it conveys a sense of being kept secure. This security can be for loving protection by God's power and peace, or for restrictive confinement under the law until the appointed time of faith.
TRV