UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: fence, wall

Semantic entry: 7.59

Semantic domains: Constructions

Subdomains: Walls and Fences

Definition: a structure for enclosing an open area

Notes: In practically all societies there is some type of fence, wall, or barrier employed to surround fields. In some instances this may consist of piled up logs or sticks; in other instances the wall may be made of packed dirt or of laid-up stone. What is important, however, is not the form, but the function, and therefore one may often use a descriptive expression, for example, ‘a barrier to surround a field,’ sometimes described as ‘a barrier to keep animals out of the field.’|φραγμός[a] is also used figuratively of the Law, which constituted a barrier between Jews and Gentiles: τὸ μεσότοιχον τοῦ φραγμοῦ ‘a wall of separation’ or ‘barrier’ RV EPH 2:14 · LV EPH 2:14 · Read together EPH 2:14. In RV EPH 2:14 · LV EPH 2:14 · Read together EPH 2:14 φραγμός[a] may be rendered as ‘a wall to keep apart’ or ‘a wall to divide’ (see 34.39: φραγμός).

Further resources: realia:3.6

Sense 2: byway, path

Semantic entry: 1.105

Semantic domains: Geographical Objects and Features

Subdomains: Thoroughfares: Roads, Streets, Paths, etc.

Definition: a path or area along a fence, wall, or hedge (where desperately poor people might stay)

Sense 3: that which separates, that which isolates

Semantic entry: 34.39

Semantic domains: Association

Subdomains: Belong To, Be Included in the Membership of, Be Excluded From

Definition: (a figurative extension of meaning of φραγμός[a] ‘fence,’ 7.59: φραγμός) that which serves as a means of separation in interpersonal relations

Notes: In a number of languages, however, it may be necessary to indicate what or who is separated, and therefore one may need to translate this phrase in RV EPH 2:14 · LV EPH 2:14 · Read together EPH 2:14 as ‘… that separates Jews from Gentiles.’