Lexical Summary hippeus: Horseman, Cavalryman Original Word: ἱππεύς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance horseman. From hippos; an equestrian, i.e. Member of a cavalry corps -- horseman. see GREEK hippos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hippos Definition a horseman NASB Translation horsemen (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2460: ἱππεύςἱππεύς, ἱππέως, ὁ (ἵππος), a horseman: Acts 23:23, 32. (From Homer down.) Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Greek 2460 designates mounted soldiers—cavalrymen who fought or traveled on horseback. The word appears only twice in the Greek New Testament, each time depicting Roman horsemen assigned to protect the Apostle Paul. Occurrences in the New Testament Acts 23:23 records the Roman commander in Jerusalem ordering “two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen” to escort Paul by night to Caesarea. Verse 32 adds that the infantry returned to the fortress once “the horsemen” had taken Paul farther along the way. These twin references demonstrate both the logistical importance of cavalry within Rome’s armies and the exceptional precaution afforded to Paul as a Roman citizen accused by the Sanhedrin. Historical Context of Roman Cavalry In the first century, Roman auxiliaries supplied most horsemen. Typically recruited from provinces renowned for equestrian skill (Thrace, Gaul, Spain, and Syria), these troopers served as rapid-response units for reconnaissance, flanking maneuvers, and secure transport of high-value individuals. The detachment stationed in Jerusalem likely belonged to the Cohors I Italica Civium Romanorum, whose presence underscored Rome’s determination to keep peace in a politically volatile city, especially during feasts when pilgrim numbers swelled. Theological Implications 1. Divine Providence: The Lord used a pagan military system to preserve His chosen servant. The same Paul who would later pen, “I must also see Rome” (Acts 19:21) is here ushered toward that destiny under armed guard. The cavalry, though unaware, became instruments fulfilling God’s larger redemptive plan. Connection to Old Testament Imagery Scripture repeatedly portrays horsemen as swift agents of judgment or deliverance: The New Testament’s brief use of 2460 evokes this broader canonical motif: God remains sovereign over military powers, directing them for His purposes. Practical Ministry Insights • God’s care may appear in unexpected, even secular, forms. The believer should acknowledge His hand in governmental structures when they serve justice (Romans 13:1-4). Related Terms and Concepts • ἱππικόν (hippikon) – “cavalry force”; classical background reinforces the professional nature of the troops in Acts. Summary Strong’s 2460, though sparse in appearance, embodies a rich convergence of historical detail and theological depth. Roman horsemen safeguarded Paul, illustrating God’s sovereignty over political forces and foreshadowing the unstoppable advance of the gospel “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Forms and Transliterations ιππεις ιππείς ίππεις ἱππεῖς ιππεύοντας ιππευόντων ιππεύς ίππευσε ίππευσεν ιππεύσι ιππεύσιν ιππέων ιππέως hippeis hippeîs ippeisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 23:23 N-AMPGRK: Καισαρείας καὶ ἱππεῖς ἑβδομήκοντα καὶ NAS: with seventy horsemen and two hundred KJV: and horsemen threescore and ten, INT: Ceasarea and horsemen seventy and Acts 23:32 N-AMP |
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