θυρεός
thyreós
G2375 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large, door-shaped shield; specifically, a rectangular or oval shield providing full-body coverage, typically used by infantry. In extended contexts, the term denotes protective means of defense against attack, whether literal or metaphorical (e.g., protection from hostile forces or spiritual dangers).
Semantic Range
large shield, door-shaped shield, protective barrier, figurative means of defense
Root / Etymology
From θύρα (thýra, 'door'), referring to the shield's door-like shape and size.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, θυρεός refers primarily to the large, oblong shield used by Greek and later Roman heavy infantry (notably the scutum). The name's derivation from 'door' alludes to both its shape and its function as a barrier. This type of shield was especially associated with formations that required overlapping shields for maximum defense. In the Septuagint and New Testament, θυρεός continues to denote the large shield as distinct from smaller, round shields (ἀσπίς). Its use in Ephesians 6:16 for 'shield of faith' reflects this imagery of comprehensive protection. Whereas English translations typically render it as 'shield,' the specific connotation of size and coverage is not always apparent; other Greek words like ἀσπίς (aspís) and πυρίον (puríon) refer to smaller or different-shaped shields.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θύρα; a large shield (as door-shaped):--shield.
Root Family
θυρεός (thyreos) — door, shield, barrier
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2375-01 |
ἀλλαχοῦ | allachou | ADV |
elsewhere | large door-shaped shield | elsewhere | 1 |
G2375-02 |
θυρεὸν | thureon | N ACC M SG |
shield | door-shaped shield | door-shaped shield | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2375-01 |
Mark 1:38 | ἀλλαχοῦ | allachou | ADV |
elsewhere | large door-shaped shield | elsewhere |
G2375-02 |
Ephesians 6:16 | θυρεὸν | thureon | N ACC M SG |
shield | door-shaped shield | door-shaped shield |