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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words is crucial for interpreting the New Testament accurately and grasping the cultural and historical context in which these texts were written. The Greek word λεγιών (legiōn) is particularly significant because it offers a glimpse into the military and societal structures of the ancient Roman world that influenced Jewish and early Christian life. Appearing in Matthew 26:53, λεγιών is used metaphorically to describe a large, organized group of angels, drawing on the concept of a Roman legion, which would have been a powerful image for both Roman and Jewish audiences.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λεγιών (legiōn) [le-gee-OWN].

Etymology: The term λεγιών derives from the Latin word legio, which referred to a division of the Roman army. A legion in Roman times typically consisted of about 6,000 soldiers, although this number could vary.

Part of Speech: Noun, feminine. In grammatical terms, λεγιών is a feminine noun and follows the rules of Greek declension for nouns of this type. It is used in the singular and plural to describe either a single legion or multiple legions.

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Defining Meanings

1. Roman Military Unit: The primary meaning of λεγιών is a Roman legion, a unit of the Roman army comprising several thousand soldiers. This term was widely recognized in the ancient world, especially in Roman-occupied territories like Judea.
2. A Large Group or Multitude: By extension, λεγιών could also refer to any large, organized group or multitude, not necessarily military. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe a vast number of angels or spirits.
3. Symbol of Power and Order: The word also conveys the idea of military power, discipline, and order, reflecting the Roman Empire’s strength and authority.

Exploring Similar Words

1. στρατιά (stratia) [stra-TEE-ah]: Refers to an “army” or “host,” especially in heavenly contexts. While στρατιά can describe a large group of angels, it does not carry the specific connotation of Roman military organization that λεγιών does.
2. πλῆθος (plēthos) [PLEE-thos]: Means “multitude” or “crowd.” Unlike λεγιών, it is more general and does not imply military or hierarchical structure.
3. τάγμα (tagma) [TAG-mah]: Refers to an “order” or “rank,” often in a military or administrative sense. While it overlaps with λεγιών in terms of organization, τάγμα is more about hierarchy and less about the concept of a large group.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: λεγιών is a feminine noun. It follows the third declension pattern in Greek, with variations across cases and numbers as shown below:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word λεγιών is consistently understood in New Testament lexicons as a reference to a Roman military unit or, by extension, any large, organized group. In Matthew 26:53, Jesus uses the term λεγιών to indicate the vast number of angels available to Him, highlighting both the heavenly power at His disposal and the restraint He exercises. Theological implications arise from this usage, emphasizing the divine authority that surpasses even the mightiest earthly military powers. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Matthew 26:53: “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions [λεγιῶνες] of angels?”
• Mark 5:9: “And He was asking him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said to Him, ‘My name is Legion [λεγιών], for we are many.'”
• Luke 8:30: “And Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ And he said, ‘Legion [λεγιών]’; for many demons had entered him.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word λεγιών offers a rich understanding of both Roman military culture and its metaphorical application in the New Testament. Used to signify a large, organized group, the term resonates with concepts of power, order, and authority. Its use in the Bible, particularly by Jesus, provides a stark contrast between earthly and divine power, emphasizing the restraint and spiritual authority of Christ.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: A Roman legion typically comprised about 6,000 soldiers but could vary in size depending on the period and military needs.
• Fact 2: The use of λεγιών in the New Testament often symbolizes not just physical armies but spiritual forces and divine powers.
• Fact 3: The term λεγιών also appears in the context of exorcism stories, emphasizing the overwhelming number and power of the forces involved.