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Introduction
Understanding Greek words such as θώραξ (thōrax) is crucial in Biblical studies, as these terms often reveal deeper meanings related to cultural, military, and spiritual contexts. θώραξ is particularly significant because it is a term for “breastplate,” a piece of armor used in ancient warfare. Its use in the New Testament, especially in Pauline writings, conveys spiritual truths by drawing a parallel between physical armor and the virtues needed for spiritual warfare. This word provides insight into both the practical aspects of ancient Greek culture and the theological concepts emphasized in early Christianity.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θώραξ (thōrax) [THO-rax]
- Etymology: The word is of uncertain origin, but it was commonly used in ancient Greek to refer to a “breastplate” or “body armor.”
- Part of Speech: Noun (masculine), third declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- A breastplate or chest armor worn by soldiers.
- Metaphorically used to refer to protection in a spiritual sense, such as the “breastplate of righteousness.”
Similar Words: Πανοπλία (panoplia) [pa-no-PLI-ah], meaning “full armor.” While θώραξ specifically refers to a breastplate, πανοπλία refers to the complete armor of a soldier, including the breastplate, helmet, shield, and sword. The difference in these terms helps differentiate between specific and general protective gear in ancient military contexts.
Further Insights: θώραξ is a third-declension noun in Greek. Here is the declension chart for θώραξ:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | θώραξ | θώρακες |
| Genitive | θώρακος | θωράκων |
| Dative | θώρακι | θώραξι(ν) |
| Accusative | θώρακα | θώρακας |
| Vocative | θώραξ | θώρακες |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: θώραξ refers to a “breastplate” or “corselet” worn by soldiers in battle. The lexicon notes its metaphorical use in Ephesians 6:14, where it represents the “breastplate of righteousness,” part of the spiritual armor of God.
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Thayers: Describes θώραξ as a piece of armor that protects the chest area. Thayer’s lexicon also highlights its use in the New Testament in a metaphorical sense to convey spiritual readiness and defense.
Vines: Explains that θώραξ is not only a physical armor but also serves as a metaphor for spiritual protection. Vines points out that this term is vital in understanding the apostolic teaching on spiritual warfare.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon provides a broad definition of θώραξ as a “breastplate,” detailing its historical use in classical Greek literature as armor worn by hoplites (ancient Greek soldiers).
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines θώραξ as “a breastplate” or “corselet,” connecting it to New Testament passages that use this imagery to describe spiritual virtues needed for the Christian life.
Related Scripture References
- Ephesians 6:14: “Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate (θώρακα) of righteousness.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:8: “But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate (θώρακα) of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.”
- Revelation 9:9: “They had breastplates (θώρακας), like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to battle.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The Persians wore a woven breastplate (θώρακα) of flax over their tunics.” |
| Homer | Iliad | “He put on a cuirass (θώρακα) of hammered bronze.” |
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “They were wearing breastplates (θώρακες) and helmets, fully armed for battle.” |
| Septuagint | 1 Maccabees 6:35 | “They had breastplates (θώρακας) of brass and weapons of war.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 59:17 | “He put on righteousness as a breastplate (θώρακα), and a helmet of salvation on his head.” |
Summary of θώραξ (G2382)
The Greek word θώραξ (thōrax) refers to a “breastplate,” a vital piece of armor in ancient Greek warfare that protected a soldier’s chest. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s writings, the term takes on a metaphorical meaning, representing spiritual protection in the form of righteousness, faith, and love. This metaphorical use illustrates the early Christian emphasis on being spiritually prepared for the challenges of life. θώραξ appears both in biblical texts and classical Greek literature, demonstrating its significance in both martial and spiritual contexts.
Did You Know?
The word θώραξ not only appears in the New Testament but also has a rich history in classical Greek literature, describing armor that was an essential part of a Greek hoplite’s equipment. In the Roman era, θώραξ often referred to a more elaborate type of armor called a “lorica,” which was used by Roman legionaries and was made of metal plates or scales to provide enhanced protection in battle.
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