δεξιόλαβος
one posted on the right hand, a spear-man
Definition
The Greek word δεξιόλαβος (dexiolabos) refers specifically to a soldier who is positioned on the right side of a formation, typically a spearman or a right-hand man. In a military context, this denotes a soldier of a particular tactical position or a guard assigned to a protective role. Its sole biblical occurrence in Acts 23:23 describes a detachment of soldiers, including these 'spearmen,' assembled to escort the apostle Paul safely from Jerusalem to Caesarea. The term emphasizes the organized, armed protection provided by the Roman military authority.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 23:23. It appears in a historical narrative detailing the Roman tribune's plan to protect Paul from an ambush. The context is purely military and administrative, listing the types of soldiers (including two hundred δεξιόλαβοι) and cavalry assigned for a nighttime transfer. There are no other patterns or uses in other books.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek words δεξιός (dexios, meaning 'right') and λαμβάνω (lambanō, meaning 'to take' or 'to hold'). Thus, it literally means 'one who takes the right [side]' or 'right-hand taker.' This construction clearly points to a person assigned to a position on the right, which in military parlance came to specify a spearman, likely from the idea of holding a spear on the right side of a formation or person.
Semantic Range
In the Roman military context of the 1st century, a δεξιόλαβος was a specific type of soldier, possibly a light-armed spearman or a guard detailed for protective escort duty. The 'right' side was often considered the position of honor, strength, or primary defense. The term highlights the precise, professional nature of the Roman military apparatus that God used providentially to protect Paul and ensure the further spread of the gospel, as recorded in Acts.
στρατιώτης (stratiōtēs, G4757) — a general term for a soldier or warrior, whereas δεξιόλαβος specifies a soldier's position or weapon type.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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