ἅλῠσις G0254
Chain, fetter — a metal restraint device for binding prisoners, used both literally and as a symbol of captivity
The noun ἅλυσις (halusis) refers to a chain or shackle used to restrain prisoners. Its most dramatic appearance is in the Gerasene demoniac narrative, where the possessed man had been bound with chains and shackles many times but tore them apart (Mark 5:3-4; Luke 8:29). Peter sleeps in prison chained between two soldiers before an angel causes the chains to fall from his hands (Acts 12:6-7). Paul speaks of bearing chains for the gospel (Eph 6:20; 2 Tim 1:16), and in Acts 21:33 and 28:20 he is literally chained by Roman authorities. Spanish 'cadena' and French 'chaîne' both carry the literal and metaphorical weight of bondage and persecution.
Senses
1. chain, fetter (physical restraint) — A metal chain or fetter used to physically restrain a prisoner, typically binding the hands or linking the captive to a guard. The Gerasene demoniac repeatedly breaks his chains, demonstrating supernatural power over human restraint (Mark 5:3-4; Luke 8:29). Peter's chains miraculously fall away at the angel's touch (Acts 12:6-7). Paul is bound with two chains in Jerusalem (Acts 21:33) and later wears a chain in Rome (Acts 28:20). The word takes on metaphorical force when Paul calls himself an 'ambassador in chains' (Eph 6:20; cf. 2 Tim 1:16). Spanish 'cadena' and German 'Kette' both map directly. 11×
AR["السَّلاسِلَ", "بِسَلاسِلَ", "بِسِلْسِلَةٍ", "بِسِلْسِلَتَيْنِ", "بِـ-سِلْسِلَتَيْنِ", "سَلاسِلَ", "سَلَاسِلُ", "سِلسِلَةٍ", "سِلسِلَةَ", "سِلْسِلَةٌ", "سِلْسِلَتي"]·ben["শিকল", "শিকল-এ", "শিকল-দিয়ে", "শিকলকে", "শিকলগুলি", "শিকলে"]·DE["Kette", "ἁλύσεις", "ἁλύσεσι", "ἁλύσεσιν", "ἅλυσιν"]·EN["a-chain", "chain", "chains", "with-chain", "with-chains"]·FR["chaîne"]·heb["בְּשַּׁלְשְׁלֶת", "בְּשַׁלְשְׁלָאוֹת", "בִּשְׁנֵי-שַׁלְשְׁלָאוֹת", "בִשְׁרָשְׁרוֹת", "שַׁלְשְׁלָאוֹת", "שַׁלְשֶׁלֶת", "שַׁלְשֶׁלֶת,", "שַׁרְשֶׁרֶת"]·HI["कोई-नहीं", "जंजीर", "जंजीरों", "ज़ंजीर", "ज़ंजीरें", "ज़ंजीरों-से", "ज़नज़ेएर", "ज़नजेएर", "बाँधा-गया-था", "बेड़ियाँ"]·ID["dengan-rantai", "rantai", "rantai,", "rantai-rantai"]·IT["alusei", "aluseis", "alusesin", "alusin", "catena"]·jav["rantai", "rante", "rante,", "ranthe", "rantè", "rantè,", "ranté", "ranté,"]·KO["쇠사슬", "쇠사슬들로", "쇠사슬들이", "쇠사슬들이,", "쇠사슬로", "쇠사슬을"]·PT["cadeia", "cadeias,", "com-cadeias", "com-corrente", "com-correntes", "corrente", "correntes,"]·RU["узах,", "цепи", "цепь", "цепью", "цепями"]·ES["cadena", "cadenas", "con-cadena", "con-cadenas"]·SW["kwa-minyororo", "minyororo", "minyororo,", "mnyororo"]·TR["zincir", "zincirde", "zincirimi", "zincirle", "zincirleri", "zincirleri,", "zincirlerle"]·urd["زنجیر", "زنجیر-سے", "زنجیروں", "زنجیروں-سے", "زنجیروں-کو", "زنجیریں"]
Related Senses
H2719 1. sword, weapon of war (410×)H4196 1. altar (place of sacrifice) (403×)H7393 1. chariot, chariotry (117×)H7198 1. bow (weapon) (72×)H7979 1. table (71×)H7782 1. ram's horn trumpet (69×)H4294 2. staff, rod, scepter (63×)H4043 1. shield, defensive weapon (60×)H0646 1. ephod (priestly garment) (49×)H8504 1. blue (violet-blue yarn/fabric) (49×)H2595 1. spear, lance (48×)H2671 1. arrow, projectile weapon (46×)H4818 1. chariot, war-chariot (44×)H3658 1. lyre, harp (stringed instrument) (42×)H1537 1. Gilgal (place name) (41×)H0713 1. purple (fabric/dye) (38×)H0905 3. poles, staves (37×)H7392 1. Qal participle: rider, charioteer (37×)H4501 1. cultic lampstand (menorah) (36×)H0212 1. wheel (35×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
ἅλῠσις (on the breathing see Hdn.Gr. 1.539), εως, ἡ, chain, χαλκέῃ ἁλύσι δεδεμένη ἄγκυραNT+5th c.BC+ __2 collectively, chains, bondage, Refs 2nd c.BC+ __3 link in chain armour, Refs 2nd c.AD+