Lexical Summary dexiolabos: Bowman, archer Original Word: δεξιολάβος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spearman. From dexios and lambano; a guardsman (as if taking the right) or light-armed soldier -- spearman. see GREEK dexios see GREEK lambano NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom dexios and lambanó Definition probably a spearman or slinger NASB Translation spearmen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1187: δεξιολάβοςδεξιολάβος, δεξιολαβου, ὁ (δεξιός and λαμβάνω), a word unknown to the earlier writings, found in Constantinus Porphyrogenitus ( Topical Lexicon Term Overview Strong’s Greek 1187 designates a specialized class of soldiers mentioned once in the New Testament. The single occurrence appears in Acts 23:23, where a Roman commander prepares an escort for the apostle Paul and includes “two hundred spearmen”, rendering the Greek plural form of this term. The setting is Jerusalem, about A.D. 57, during heightened Jewish hostility toward Paul. Historical Background In the Roman army, these troops were lightly armed auxiliaries who fought on foot and protected the flanks of the legion or guarded high-value persons. Ancient writers (Polybius, Josephus) note that such men could carry a javelin, spear, or a short sword and often took position on the commander’s right side—symbolically the place of defense and favor. Their deployment in Acts underscores the gravity with which Rome viewed any threat to imperial order, especially against a Roman citizen like Paul. Usage in Acts 23:23 The careful listing—“two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen”—reflects Luke’s interest in precision and attests to the historicity of his narrative. The sizeable force displays both the seriousness of the assassination plot (Acts 23:12–15) and the Lord’s providential care for His servant, fulfilling Christ’s earlier promise, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome” (Acts 23:11). Roman Military Structure and Function 1. Heavy infantry (legionaries) formed the backbone of Rome’s power. Their presence would deter ambushes on the steep, winding road from Jerusalem to Antipatris, then to Caesarea. Tactics relied on speed, surprise, and readiness to repel sudden attacks, making them ideal for night marches such as the one described in Acts 23:23–24. Symbolic and Theological Implications Right-hand imagery pervades Scripture. “Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power” (Exodus 15:6). By employing soldiers whose very name evokes the right side, Acts subtly mirrors the divine protection surrounding Paul. Earthly authorities, though often pagan, stand unconsciously under God’s sovereignty to accomplish His redemptive purposes (Proverbs 21:1; Romans 13:1–4). Intertextual Parallels • Psalm 34:7 – “The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and he delivers them.” In each case, deliverance enables continued witness to the gospel, highlighting a pattern of divine intervention toward mission fulfillment. Ministry and Pastoral Applications • God often employs ordinary, even secular, means to protect His people. A believer’s confidence rests not in the instruments themselves but in the Lord who wields them. Doctrinal Reflection The solitary appearance of Strong’s 1187 illustrates the unity between God’s sovereign oversight and human responsibility. The commander acted prudently; Paul accepted the escort; God orchestrated events for gospel advance. Acts 23 thereby affirms divine providence, the legitimacy of civil authority, and the unstoppable progress of Christ’s commission (Matthew 28:18–20). Summary Strong’s Greek 1187 identifies the “spearmen” who escorted Paul from Jerusalem, embodying Rome’s military skill and, more importantly, the protective hand of God over His apostle. Though mentioned only once, the term enriches our understanding of first-century history, Luke’s accuracy, and the comforting truth that the Lord surrounds His servants—sometimes with angels, sometimes with armed guards—until their mission is complete. Forms and Transliterations δεξιολαβους δεξιολάβους dexiolabous dexiolábousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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