from θύρα; a large shield (as door-shaped):--shield.
Transliteration:thyreós
Pronunciation:thoo-reh-os'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun θυρεός (thyreós - `{{G2375}}`) derives directly from θύρα (thyra - `{{G2374}}`), meaning "door." This etymological root is crucial for understanding its core meaning: a large, door-shaped shield. Unlike smaller, often round, shields (such as ἀσπίς - aspis `{{G790}}`), the θυρεός was designed to provide comprehensive protection, covering the majority of the warrior's body. Its rectangular or oval shape, reminiscent of a door, allowed it to be braced against the ground, forming a defensive wall against projectiles and charges. The semantic range of θυρεός is therefore centered on robust, extensive defense and the act of forming a protective barrier.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θυρεός appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Ephesians 6:16]] as part of the Apostle Paul's exhortation concerning the "armor of God": "Above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one."
In this singular occurrence, the θυρεός serves as a powerful metaphor for "faith" (πίστις - pistis `{{G4102}}`). The context is spiritual warfare, where believers are equipped by God to withstand the schemes of the devil ([[Ephesians 6:11]]). The "fiery darts" (βέλη πεπυρωμένα - belē pepyrōmena) represent the insidious and destructive attacks of the enemy—temptations, doubts, accusations, and persecutions—which aim to wound or destroy the believer's spiritual vitality. The large, protective nature of the θυρεός highlights faith's capacity to provide comprehensive coverage against such assaults. Furthermore, the verb "quench" (σβέσαι - sbesai) is significant; faith does not merely deflect these darts but extinguishes their destructive power, neutralizing their venom and fire. This suggests an active and effective defense, not merely a passive blocking.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related word is θύρα (thyra - `{{G2374}}`), the "door" from which θυρεός derives, emphasizing its function as a barrier or protective entrance. Within the broader context of [[Ephesians 6:10-18]], θυρεός is one piece of the divine panoply:
* The belt of truth (ἀλήθεια - alētheia `{{G22}}`)
* The breastplate of righteousness (δικαιοσύνη - dikaiosynē `{{G1343}}`)
* The footwear of the gospel of peace (εὐαγγέλιον - euangelion `{{G2098}}`, εἰρήνη - eirēnē `{{G1515}}`)
* The helmet of salvation (σωτηρία - sōtēria `{{G4991}}`)
* The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (μάχαιρα - machaira `{{G3162}}`, πνεῦμα - pneuma `{{G4151}}`, λόγος - logos `{{G3056}}`)
The concept of "faith" (πίστις - pistis `{{G4102}}`) is central, as it is the very substance of this protective shield. The "fiery darts" (βέλη πεπυρωμένα) recall ancient warfare tactics where arrows were tipped with flammable material, designed to ignite structures or inflict severe burns, thus emphasizing the destructive intent of spiritual attacks.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θυρεός as the "shield of faith" is profound. It underscores faith not merely as intellectual assent but as an active, vital defense mechanism against the forces of evil.
1. **Comprehensive Protection:** The large, door-like nature of the θυρεός symbolizes that genuine faith provides all-encompassing protection for the believer, covering the entire person against the manifold attacks of the enemy. It is a defense that safeguards the mind, emotions, and will.
2. **Active Engagement:** The instruction to "take up" (ἀναλαβόντες - analabontes) the shield implies a conscious and deliberate act of appropriating and wielding one's faith. It is not a passive state but an active posture of reliance upon God.
3. **Efficacy of Faith:** Faith is presented as uniquely capable of "quenching" the fiery darts. This highlights the power and effectiveness of faith in neutralizing the destructive, demoralizing, and deceptive attacks of the wicked one, preventing them from taking root and causing harm.
4. **Reliance on God's Provision:** As part of the "armor of God," the shield of faith is not something self-generated but a divine provision. It is faith *in* God, sustained *by* God, that empowers the believer to stand firm.
5. **Spiritual Reality of Conflict:** The metaphor vividly portrays the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity for believers to be adequately equipped by God for daily life in a fallen world.
### Summary
θυρεός (`{{G2375}}`) refers to a large, door-shaped shield, emphasizing its capacity for comprehensive protection. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Ephesians 6:16]] metaphorically designates it as the "shield of faith." This imagery powerfully conveys that faith (πίστις - `{{G4102}}`) serves as the believer's primary, all-encompassing defense against the "fiery darts" of the wicked one. The etymological link to "door" (θύρα - `{{G2374}}`) reinforces its function as a barrier, while the ability to "quench" the fiery darts highlights faith's active and effective power in neutralizing spiritual attacks. Thus, θυρεός underscores the vital role of an active, robust faith in providing comprehensive spiritual protection and enabling believers to stand firm against evil.