Sure

Greek Word Pronunciation: as-fa-LES
Strong's Number: 804
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 855
Key Verse: “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” -- Hebrews 6:19

This word comes from sphallo, meaning “to trip up; to totter; to reel.” The “a” prefix means “not”; thus, its meaning is “not liable to fall; security against error; certain.”

The verb, asphalizo, is found in Matthew 27:64-66 regarding the guards being told to make secure the grave of Jesus; and in Acts 16:24, Paul and Silas having their feet fastened in stocks.

The various forms of noun, adverb, and adjective, are used ten times in Scripture. In Acts 5:23, the jail is locked quite securely. Mark 14:44 speaks of Jesus being led away under guard, and Acts 16:23 refers to the jailer of Paul and Silas being told to guard them securely.

Luke tells Theophilus, in Luke 1:4, that he may know the exact truth about what he has been taught. There is certainty in the gospel of Christ. In Acts 21:34, 22:30, and 25:26, people are trying to “learn the facts,” “to know for certain,” and of “nothing being definite.”

The reference in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 is to unbelievers during the Tribulation saying “peace and safety.” In Philippians 3:1, Paul writes to the church that it is no trouble for him to repeat doctrinal instruction as “it is a safeguard” for them. It would contribute to their security as Christians.

In the key verse, HEBREWS 6:19, the two adjectives, sure and steadfast, are almost synonymous. Hope accomplishes for the soul the same thing which an anchor does for a ship, making it fast and secure. It is permanent and can never be lost, and it is still more sure and steadfast by virtue of what it is fixed upon, the person, blood, and righteousness of Christ. Matthew Henry says, “it is an anchor that is cast upon the Rock of Ages.”