### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thyreós**, represented by `{{G2375}}`, describes a **large shield**, specifically a door-shaped one. Its root is θύρα, the word for a door. This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The only biblical context for `{{G2375}}` is in the list of the spiritual armor of God. The instruction is to take "the **shield** of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked" [[Ephesians 6:16]]. In this passage, the **shield** is not literal but is a metaphor for **faith** `{{G4102}}`. Its specified purpose is to empower the believer to neutralize incoming spiritual attacks, which are described as **fiery** `{{G4448}}` darts. This act of taking up the shield is presented as a crucial part of being able to stand against evil [[Ephesians 6:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help define the function of this spiritual **shield**:
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): Defined as persuasion, moral conviction, or reliance upon Christ, **faith** is the very substance of the shield. It is the means by which believers are saved [[Ephesians 2:8]] and without which it is impossible to please God [[Hebrews 11:6]].
* `{{G4570}}` **sbénnymi** (to quench): Meaning to extinguish, this word describes the shield's effect on the enemy's weapons. It highlights faith's ability to completely neutralize threats, not just deflect them. The word is also used in the command not to **quench** the Spirit [[1 Thessalonians 5:19]].
* `{{G4190}}` **ponērós** (wicked): This term describes what is hurtful or evil in effect or influence. The darts come from "the **wicked**," identifying the malicious source of the attacks that the shield of faith is meant to counter. Believers are to pray for deliverance from this same **evil** [[Matthew 6:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2375}}` is tied directly to its metaphorical role in spiritual warfare.
* **Faith as Active Defense:** The shield must be taken up `{{G353}}`, indicating that faith is not a passive state but an active, operational defense. It is an essential piece of the whole armor of God that enables a believer to withstand the evil day [[Ephesians 6:13]].
* **Comprehensive Protection:** The shield of faith provides the ability `{{G1410}}` to quench *all* `{{G3956}}` the fiery darts. This emphasizes the complete and sufficient nature of faith to protect against every kind of hostile attack from the wicked.
* **Neutralizing Power:** The specific action of the shield is to **quench** `{{G4570}}` the attack. This implies that faith in God has the inherent power to render enemy assaults powerless and extinguish their destructive, **fiery** `{{G4448}}` nature.
### Summary
In summary, **thyreós** `{{G2375}}` is far more than a simple piece of armor. It is a powerful scriptural symbol for the defensive function of faith. Its singular mention in [[Ephesians 6:16]] establishes faith as the believer's essential, door-like **shield**, capable of extinguishing all flaming missiles sent by the **wicked** `{{G4190}}`. The term vividly illustrates that faith is an active and all-sufficient tool for protection in spiritual conflict.
TRV