◄ 1187. dexiolabos ►
Lexicon dexiolabos: Bowman, archer Original Word: δεξιολάβος Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: dexiolabos Pronunciation: dex-ee-ol'-ab-os Phonetic Spelling: (dex-ee-ol-ab'-os) Definition: Bowman, archer Meaning: one posted on the right hand, a spear-man. 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 Origin from dexios and lambanó Definition probably a spearman or slinger NASB Translation spearmen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1187: δεξιολάβος δεξιολάβος, δεξιολαβου, ὁ (δεξιός and λαμβάνω), a word unknown to the earlier writings, found in Constantinus Porphyrogenitus (10th century) de them. 1, 1, who speaks of δεξιολαβοι, as a kind of soldiers, in company with bowmen (τοξοφοροι) and peltasts; (they are also mentioned by Theophylact Simocatta (hist. 4, 1) in the 7th century; see the quotations in Meyer). Since in Acts 23:23 two hundred of them are ordered to be ready, apparently spearmen are referred to (carrying a lance in the right hand); and so the Vulg. has taken it. The great number spoken of conflicts with the interpretation of those who suppose them to be soldiers whose duty it was to guard captives bound by a chain on the right hand. Meyer at the passage understands them to be (either) javelin men (or slingers). Topical Lexicon Word Origin: From δεξιός (dexios, meaning "right" or "right hand") and λαμβάνω (lambano, meaning "to take" or "to receive"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for δεξιολάβος in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, as it is a term specific to the Greek language and Roman military context. However, similar roles in ancient Hebrew contexts might be associated with terms for warriors or soldiers, such as חַיִל (chayil, Strong's Hebrew 2428), which can refer to a soldier or man of valor. Usage: The term δεξιολάβος appears in the New Testament in Acts 23:23, where it is used to describe soldiers who were part of the escort for Paul as he was being transferred to Caesarea. Context: The term δεξιολάβος is found in the context of Acts 23:23, where the Roman commander, Claudius Lysias, orders a detachment of soldiers to escort the Apostle Paul safely to Governor Felix in Caesarea. The passage reads: "Then he called two of his centurions and said, 'Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night.'" (BSB) In this context, δεξιολάβοι (translated as "spearmen" in the BSB) were part of a larger military escort tasked with ensuring Paul's safe passage. The use of δεξιολάβος highlights the Roman military's strategic deployment of various types of soldiers, including those skilled in using spears or javelins, to maintain order and protect important individuals. The presence of δεξιολάβοι in this passage underscores the seriousness with which the Roman authorities treated the situation, reflecting the potential threats Paul faced from those who opposed his mission. This term provides insight into the Roman military practices of the time, illustrating the diversity of roles within their ranks and the importance of tactical arrangements in their operations. Forms and Transliterations δεξιολαβους δεξιολάβους dexiolabous dexiolábous Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts Englishman's Concordance Acts 23:23 N-AMP GRK: ἑβδομήκοντα καὶ δεξιολάβους διακοσίους ἀπὸ NAS: horsemen and two hundred spearmen. KJV: and spearmen two hundred, INT: seventy and spearmen two hundred for Strong's Greek 1187 1 Occurrence δεξιολάβους — 1 Occ.