3003. legión

Lexicon

legión: Legion

Original Word: λεγιών
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: legión
Pronunciation: leh-gee-OWN
Phonetic Spelling: (leg-eh-ohn')
Definition: Legion
Meaning: properly: a division of the Roman army, numbering about 6,000 infantry with additional cavalry; hence: a very large number; a legion.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

legion.

Of Latin origin; a "legion", i.e. Roman regiment (figuratively) -- legion.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
a legion
NASB Translation
legion (1), Legion (2), legions (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3003: λεγεών

λεγεών and (so T, Tr (but not in Matthew 26:53), WH (see at the end), also Lachmann in Mark 5:9, 15) λεγιών (cf. Tdf. edition 7 Proleg., p. 1.; (especially edition 8, p. 83; Buttmann, 16 (15)); so, too, in inscriptions in Boeckh; (Diodorus, Plutarch, others)), λεγεωνος, ἡ (a Latin word), a legion (a body of soldiers whose number differed at different times, and in the time of Augustus seems to have consisted of 6,826 men (i. e. 6,100 foot soldiers, and 726 horsemen)): Matthew 26:53; Mark 5:9, 15; Luke 8:30 (here WH (ex errore?) λεγιών (cf. Chandler § 593)).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Borrowed from Latin "legio," referring to a Roman legion.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "λεγιών" in the Old Testament, the concept of a large, organized group can be loosely associated with terms like צָבָא (tsaba, Strong's Hebrew 6635), which refers to an army or host. This term is often used to describe the heavenly hosts or armies of Israel, conveying a sense of organized strength and multitude.

Usage: The term "λεγιών" is used in the New Testament to describe a large number of demons possessing an individual, illustrating the vast and formidable nature of the spiritual forces involved.

Context: The term "λεγιών" appears in the New Testament in the context of spiritual warfare and demonic possession. It is notably used in the Gospels of Mark and Luke to describe the multitude of demons possessing a man in the region of the Gerasenes. In Mark 5:9 (BSB), Jesus asks the possessed man, "What is your name?" and the response is, "My name is Legion, for we are many." This indicates the overwhelming number of demonic entities afflicting the man, emphasizing the severity of his condition and the power of Jesus to deliver him.

The use of "λεγιών" in this context draws a parallel to the Roman military structure, suggesting an organized and formidable force. This imagery would have been particularly striking to the original audience, familiar with the might and discipline of a Roman legion. The narrative demonstrates Jesus' authority over even the most powerful and numerous of spiritual adversaries, reinforcing His divine power and the hope of deliverance for those oppressed by evil.

In Luke 8:30 (BSB), the account is similarly recounted, underscoring the consistency of the Gospel message regarding Jesus' dominion over demonic forces. The term "λεγιών" thus serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual battles faced by individuals and the ultimate victory available through Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

λέβης λέβησι λέβητα λέβητας λέβητες λέβητι λέβητος λεβήτων λεγεών λεγεώνα λεγεώνας Λεγιων Λεγιών Λεγιὼν λεγιωνα λεγιῶνα λεγιωνας λεγιῶνας Legion Legiōn Legiṓn Legiṑn legiona legiôna legiōna legiō̂na legionas legiônas legiōnas legiō̂nas

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 26:53 N-AFP
GRK: πλείω δώδεκα λεγιῶνας ἀγγέλων
NAS: more than twelve legions of angels?
KJV: than twelve legions of angels?
INT: more than twelve legions of angels

Mark 5:9 N-NFS
GRK: λέγει αὐτῷ Λεγιὼν ὄνομά μοι
NAS: to Him, My name is Legion; for we are many.
KJV: My name [is] Legion: for we are
INT: saying he answered Legion [is] name to me

Mark 5:15 N-AFS
GRK: ἐσχηκότα τὸν λεγιῶνα καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν
NAS: the very man who had had the legion; and they became frightened.
KJV: and had the legion, sitting,
INT: him who had the legion and they were afraid

Luke 8:30 N-NFS
GRK: δὲ εἶπεν Λεγιών ὅτι εἰσῆλθεν
NAS: And he said, Legion; for many
KJV: And he said, Legion: because many
INT: and he said Legion because were entered

Strong's Greek 3003
4 Occurrences

Λεγιὼν — 2 Occ.
λεγιῶνα — 1 Occ.
λεγιῶνας — 1 Occ.