Brief Overview of ἀσπίς (G785: aspís)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aspís

Root Words: The term ἀσπίς (aspís) is derived from the root ἀσπίς (aspís), meaning “shield.”

Primary Meanings:

• Shield: A defensive weapon used to protect oneself in battle.
• Protection: Metaphorically used to denote a form of safeguard or security.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσπίς as “a shield,” describing it as a defensive tool used in combat. The term is also employed metaphorically to represent protection or safeguarding.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσπίς as a “shield” and notes its use in both literal and figurative senses, emphasizing its role as a protector.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights that ἀσπίς refers to a “shield,” noting its significance in defense and protection in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσπίς as “shield,” with emphasis on its use in ancient Greek warfare and metaphorical applications.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀσπίς as “a shield,” focusing on its use as a protective device.

Bible Verses:

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• Ephesians 6:16 (KJV): “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.”
• Shield translates from ἀσπίς, representing faith as a protective measure.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:8 (KJV): “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
• The concept of a shield is implied in the context of protective armor for spiritual defense.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer’s Iliad: ἀσπίς is used to describe the physical shield carried by warriors, highlighting its importance in battle.
• Herodotus’ Histories: The term appears in descriptions of military equipment and the strategic use of shields in warfare.
• Xenophon’s Anabasis: The shield is described as a crucial piece of defensive equipment for soldiers, emphasizing its role in protection during combat.

4. Summary:

ἀσπίς (G785: aspís) primarily denotes a “shield,” used both literally in warfare and metaphorically to signify protection or safeguarding. Its usage in the Bible often represents faith as a spiritual defense against adversity. In classic Greek literature, ἀσπίς is associated with military equipment and strategy, reflecting its critical role in ancient combat and protection.