Lexical Summary perikephalaia: Helmet Original Word: περικεφαλαία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance helmet. Feminine of a compound of peri and kephale; encirclement of the head, i.e. A helmet -- helmet. see GREEK peri see GREEK kephale NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom peri and kephalé Definition a helmet NASB Translation helmet (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4030: περικεφαλαίαπερικεφαλαία, περικεφαλαίας, ἡ (περί and κεφαλή), a helmet: 1 Thessalonians 5:8; τοῦ σωτηρίου (from Isaiah 59:17), i. e. dropping the figure, the protection of soul which consists in (the hope of) salvation, Ephesians 6:17. (Polybius; the Sept. for כּובַע .) Topical Lexicon Imagery of the Helmet in Scripture A helmet is the final, sealing piece of a soldier’s defensive armor. Protecting the most vital command center—the head—it signifies security, identity, and clarity of thought in the midst of conflict. The helmet motif appears in Isaiah 59:17, where the LORD clothes Himself with “the helmet of salvation,” providing the prophetic seed for the apostolic development of the theme. Old Testament Roots In Israel’s warfare, helmets of bronze or iron were worn by soldiers such as Goliath (1 Samuel 17:5). Yet Isaiah’s vision shifts attention from human skill to divine intervention: God Himself dons a “helmet of salvation,” portraying deliverance initiated and accomplished by Him. This sets the theological pattern: salvation protects and enables the people of God, not vice-versa. Use in the Pauline Epistles Paul employs περικεφαλαία twice, rooting believers firmly in the saving work of God. In Ephesians, the helmet is salvation itself; in Thessalonians, it is “the hope of salvation.” In both letters the emphasis falls on a present possession grounded in a future certainty. Theological Themes 1. Assurance. The helmet symbolizes the believer’s secure standing in Christ (Romans 8:30). Christological Perspective Jesus, the divine warrior of Isaiah 59, has triumphed at the cross and now shares His own helmet with His body. The Head is already exalted; the members share in His victory (Ephesians 2:6). Thus the helmet directs attention upward to Christ, safeguarding believers from self-reliance and anchoring them in His accomplished redemption. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Evangelism: Proclaiming the gospel supplies others with the only true headgear against judgment. Historical Interpretation Early fathers such as Ignatius and Irenaeus linked the helmet with the baptismal confession. Reformers highlighted assurance: “Helm of salvation is faith alone,” wrote Luther. Puritans stressed meditation on Christ’s promises as the practical wearing of the helmet. Throughout church history, revival movements have been marked by renewed confidence in full salvation, demonstrating the living power of the metaphor. Practical Exhortations for Today 1. Daily Deliberate Remembrance – rehearse Scriptures of salvation (for example, 2 Timothy 1:9; Titus 3:5). Bearing the helmet of salvation, believers enter the spiritual battlefield confident that the decisive victory is already secured and their minds are guarded until the day they see their Captain face to face. Forms and Transliterations περικεκοσμημέναι περικεφαλαία περικεφαλαίαι περικεφαλαίαις περικεφαλαιαν περικεφαλαίαν περικεφαλαίας περικνήμισι perikephalaian perikephalaíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 6:17 N-AFSGRK: καὶ τὴν περικεφαλαίαν τοῦ σωτηρίου NAS: And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, KJV: And take the helmet of salvation, and INT: Also the helmet of salvation 1 Thessalonians 5:8 N-AFS |
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