[Greek] φρουρέω (phroureō), [Latin] custodire, [French] garder, [French] proteger, [German] bewachen: to guard, to protect, to watch, to take care, to observe; 2Cor.11:32, Gal.3:23, Php.4:7, 1Pet.1:5
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to stand guard, to be on guard, to watch, to be careful, to take care, to keep silent, and to provide a guardian.
Herodotus’ The Histories 7.217: “1000 Phocians were on watch, defending their own country.”
Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus 1479: “May the god prove a better guardian to you than he has to me.”
Euripides’ Electra 1139: “But please take care.”
Herodotus’ The Histories 9.106: “Stand on guard between the Ionians and their enemies.”
Sophocles’ Electra 74: “Take care to watch over your task.”
Euripides’ The Suppliants 900: “He was careful to avoid offense.”
Euripides’ Ion 98: “It is good to keep your mouth holy in speech.”
New Testament: The governor guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize Paul. The Jews were conspiring to kill Paul. Paul states that before faith, the Christians were held in custody under the law. This faith is to be later revealed. The peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ. The gift that God bestows in bringing new life and hope in Him is to be safeguarded through faith.
Scripture:
“At Dasmascus, the governor under King Areta guarded the city of Damascus, in order to seize me.” 2Cor.11:32
The Jews, also keeping watch at the gates, were conspiring to kill Paul. The disciples helped Paul to escape.
“Before faith came, we were held in custody under law, confined for the faith that was to be revealed.” Gal.3:23
Righteousness and justification by faith through God’s promises supersedes the law. Since faith has come, we are no longer bound under the law.
“Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Php.4:7
God’s peace overcomes worldly concerns and fears.
Conclusion:
Custody, custodian, watch, protect, protégé
In Greek Hellenism, it is interesting to discover that this term has both explicit and nuanced meanings. The explicit meanings refer to guarding, spying, and watching over. The more nuanced meanings refer to providing a guardian, being careful, being mindful, and keeping silent.
Paul escaped from the authorities by being lowered in a basket through a window. The Mosaic law restricted the Gentiles and Christian from receiving the fullness of faith from God. Jesus’ redemption removes this spiritual captivity. This power of God is safeguarded by faith.
A protege is one who is under the care (or protection) of another.
Update: Fellow Catholics– Please spend some time in watchful prayer and silence for Ukraine before the Blessed Sacrament in church. Please be mindful that the people of Ukraine desperately need our prayers.
The Ukrainians are now standing guard in their efforts to defend themselves (and their country) from Russian aggression.
Take care!