In biblical context, the term "legion" is primarily associated with a large unit of soldiers in the Roman army, typically consisting of 3,000 to 6,000 infantry and additional cavalry. The concept of a legion is used metaphorically in the Scriptures to convey vast numbers, particularly in spiritual or supernatural contexts.

New Testament References

1. The Gerasene Demoniac: The most notable mention of "legion" in the New Testament is found in the account of Jesus healing the demon-possessed man in the region of the Gerasenes. In Mark 5:9 , Jesus asks the possessed man, "What is your name?" and the response is, "My name is Legion, for we are many." This indicates the presence of a multitude of demons within the man, emphasizing the severity of his possession. The use of "legion" here underscores the overwhelming and organized nature of the demonic forces.

2. Jesus and the Twelve Legions of Angels: In Matthew 26:53 , during His arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus addresses His disciples, saying, "Do you not think that I can call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" This statement highlights Jesus' divine authority and the vast heavenly resources available to Him, which He chooses not to employ in order to fulfill His redemptive mission.

Symbolism and Interpretation

The use of "legion" in these contexts serves to illustrate the magnitude and power of both demonic and divine forces. In the case of the Gerasene demoniac, the term conveys the intense spiritual bondage and the formidable nature of the evil spirits. Conversely, Jesus' reference to legions of angels signifies the immense power and readiness of heavenly hosts to intervene, reinforcing His sovereignty and the voluntary nature of His sacrifice.

Historical and Cultural Context

Understanding the Roman military structure provides additional insight into the biblical use of "legion." The Roman legion was a symbol of strength, discipline, and authority, characteristics that are mirrored in the spiritual realms described in the Scriptures. The analogy would have been readily understood by the original audience, who were familiar with Roman military presence and its implications.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the concept of "legion" in the Bible serves to remind believers of the reality of spiritual warfare and the existence of both malevolent and benevolent supernatural entities. It underscores the power of Christ over demonic forces and His ultimate authority over all creation. The reference to legions of angels also reassures believers of God's protective and omnipotent nature, offering comfort and confidence in His divine plan.

In summary, the term "legion" in the Bible is a powerful metaphor that conveys the vastness and organization of spiritual forces, both evil and divine, and highlights the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over all.3003. legion -- a legion
... a legion. Word Origin of Latin origin Definition a legion NASB Word Usage
legion (1), Legion (2), legions (1). legion. Of Latin ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3003.htm - 6k

Matt. xxvi. 51-54.
... Thinkest [2997] thou that I cannot pray to the Father, and He shall presently
[2998] give me more than twelve legions of angels? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxiv matt xxvi 51-54.htm

Josephus Makes an Attempt Upon Sepphoris but is Repelled. Titus ...
... he was sent for, and marching with great expedition, he came suddenly to Ptolemais,
and there finding his father, together with the two legions, the fifth and ...
/.../chapter 4 josephus makes an.htm

How Caius Julius Caesar was the First Roman that came into Britain ...
... cavalry. Returning into Gaul, he put his legions into winter-quarters, and
gave orders for building six hundred sail of both sorts. ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap ii how caius julius.htm

How the Soldiers, Both in Judea and Egypt, Proclaimed Vespasian ...
... the advantage of both their ages, for that they will afford strength to those that
shall be made emperors, they having already three legions, besides other ...
/.../chapter 10 how the soldiers.htm

When the Banks were Completed and the Battering Rams Brought, and ...
... His Consent. 1. And now two of the legions had completed their banks on
the eighth day of the month Lous [Ab]. Whereupon Titus gave ...
/.../chapter 4 when the banks.htm

The Fulfilment
... At the breach in the Old Wall, the watchers on that almost deserted street saw the
brazen wave of four legions gather and sweep forward to gain ground in the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter xxiii the fulfilment.htm

The Era of Persecution
... to Vesta on the way to their own favorite temple; the women who besought Mars for
the victory of their husbands, absent with the legions, freely offered ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/iii the era of persecution.htm

The Roman Empire at the Time of the Birth of Christ. Upwards of a ...
... The capital was connected with the most distant provinces by carefully constructed
roads, along which the legions could march with ease and promptitude, either ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/chapter i the roman empire.htm

When this was Seen by Hades and Death, and their Impious Officers. ...
... alive; and in thy death every creature trembled, and the stars in a body were moved;
and now thou hast been made free among the dead, and disturbest our legions ...
/.../unknown/the gospel of nicodemus /chapter 6 22 when this.htm

Titus when the Jews were not at all Mollified by his Leaving Off ...
... 2. Thus did the Romans spend four days in bringing this subsistence-money
to the several legions. But on the fifth day, when no ...
/.../chapter 9 titus when the.htm

Legions (1 Occurrence)
...Legions (1 Occurrence). Matthew 26:53 Or do you think that I couldn't ask my Father,
and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? ...
/l/legions.htm - 6k

Cornelius (10 Occurrences)
... To understand this we must note that the Roman army was divided into two broad
divisions, the legions and the auxiliary forces. See ARMY, ROMAN. ...
/c/cornelius.htm - 16k

Roman (26 Occurrences)
... the Roman army under the Empire may be divided into the following five groups:
(1) the imperial guard and garrison of the capital, (2) the legions, (3) the ...
/r/roman.htm - 101k

Army (401 Occurrences)
... the Roman army under the Empire may be divided into the following five groups:
(1) the imperial guard and garrison of the capital, (2) the legions, (3) the ...
/a/army.htm - 76k

Legion (3 Occurrences)

/l/legion.htm - 8k

Legislation

/l/legislation.htm - 7k

Instantly (39 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Matthew 26:53 Or do you suppose I cannot entreat my Father and He would
instantly send to my help more than twelve legions of angels? (WEY). ...
/i/instantly.htm - 18k

Furnish (8 Occurrences)
... Furnish (8 Occurrences). Matthew 26:53 Or thinkest thou that I cannot now call upon
my Father, and he will furnish me more than twelve legions of angels? (DBY). ...
/f/furnish.htm - 11k

Thinkest (11 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Matthew 26:53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father,
and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? ...
/t/thinkest.htm - 9k

Twelve (176 Occurrences)
... Matthew 26:53 Or do you think that I couldn't ask my Father, and he would
even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? (WEB ...
/t/twelve.htm - 38k

What was a Roman legion? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the name of the demon was Legion? | GotQuestions.org

What influence did Julius Caesar have on biblical history? | GotQuestions.org

Legions: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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