δεξιολάβος
dexiolábos
G1187 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A member of a military unit, specifically referring to a light-armed soldier or an auxiliary who served as an escort or guard, often interpreted as one who wields a spear or weapon in the right hand. The term may denote a particular type of soldier adept at using the right hand for weaponry, potentially indicating a spear-bearer, shield-bearer, or a specialized guard tasked with protective duties.
Semantic Range
light-armed soldier, spearman, guard, escort, bodyguard, auxiliary
Root / Etymology
From δεξιός ('right, right hand') and λαμβάνω ('to take, seize, grasp'), forming a compound literally meaning 'one who takes up with the right [hand].' The precise historical development as a technical term for a particular class of soldier is debated, but the components are well-attested in Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek and Hellenistic military contexts, δεξιολάβος described a type of auxiliary soldier, commonly one serving as a personal guard, escort, or light infantryman carrying a light spear or javelin, often positioned to the right of a principal figure for protection or ceremonial formations. In the New Testament (Acts 23:23), it appears in the context of Roman military personnel in Judea; the translation 'spearman' or 'light-armed guard' reflects Roman practice rather than a strictly Greek military category. English translations that render it as 'spearman' or 'spearmen' are based on contextual inference rather than the strict lexical meaning. The term is rare in Greek literature, primarily used in military descriptions of escorts or guards, and does not refer to a specific military rank. It highlights the adaptation of Greek terminology to describe Roman soldiers in a Judean context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δεξιός and λαμβάνω; a guardsman (as if taking the right) or light-armed soldier:--spearman.
Root Family
δεξιολάβος (dexiolabos) — right-hand taker, light-armed soldier, guard, escort
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1187-01 |
δεξιολάβους | dexiolabous | N ACC M PL |
spearmen | right-hand guards | spearmen | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1187-01 |
Acts 23:23 | δεξιολάβους | dexiolabous | N ACC M PL |
spearmen | right-hand guards | spearmen |