from ἵππος; an equestrian, i.e. member of a cavalry corps:--horseman.
Transliteration:hippeús
Pronunciation:hip-yooce'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἱππεύς (hippeús, `{{G2460}}`) is derived directly from ἵππος (hippos, `{{G2462}}`), meaning "horse" or "steed." Consequently, its core meaning is "horseman" or "rider." In its most common usage, particularly in a military context, it designates a member of a cavalry corps, hence "cavalryman." The semantic range of ἱππεύς is quite narrow and literal, referring exclusively to individuals who ride horses, especially within a structured military unit. It does not typically convey metaphorical or abstract meanings in the New Testament.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἱππεύς (hippeús, `{{G2460}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both times in the book of Acts, and in the plural form, ἱππεῖς (hippeis):
* **[[Acts 23:23]]**: "And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen (ἱππεῖς), and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night." Here, ἱππεῖς refers to the seventy cavalrymen specifically designated as part of the large Roman military escort assembled by Claudius Lysias to transport Paul safely from Jerusalem to Caesarea. The inclusion of horsemen highlights the urgency and efficiency required for the mission, as well as the significant military resources deployed to protect Paul.
* **[[Acts 23:32]]**: "On the morrow they left the horsemen (ἱππεῖς) to go with him, and returned to the castle." This verse describes the continuation of Paul's journey. After the initial leg of the journey, the foot soldiers and spearmen returned to the barracks, leaving only the more mobile cavalry to accompany Paul the rest of the way to Caesarea. This detail underscores the strategic use of different military units based on the terrain and the need for speed.
In both instances, ἱππεύς is used in a purely descriptive and literal sense, referring to actual Roman soldiers mounted on horses. The context is historical and narrative, detailing the events surrounding Paul's arrest and his subsequent transfer under Roman protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the noun from which ἱππεύς (hippeús, `{{G2460}}`) is derived:
* ἵππος (hippos, `{{G2462}}`): "horse," the animal ridden by the horseman.
Other related terms that describe military personnel or units, though not directly derived, include:
* ἱππικός (hippikós, `{{G2461}}`): "equestrian," "of cavalry," or "cavalry" (as a collective noun), found in [[Revelation 9:16]] describing the "armies of the horsemen." While closely related in meaning, it is a distinct lemma.
* στρατιώτης (stratiōtēs, `{{G4757}}`): "soldier," a broader term of which a ἱππεύς is a specific type.
* στράτευμα (strateuma, `{{G4756}}`): "army," "troop," or "military force," of which horsemen would be a component.
* δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`): "power," "force," or "might," often used in the context of military strength.
The concept of military escort, protection, and the swift movement of personnel are also inherently linked to the role of the ἱππεύς.
### Theological Significance
Given its limited and literal usage in the New Testament, ἱππεύς (hippeús, `{{G2460}}`) does not carry profound theological meaning in itself. Its significance is primarily contextual and illustrative of divine providence:
1. **Divine Protection and Providence**: The deployment of a substantial military force, including seventy horsemen, to protect Paul ([[Acts 23:23-32]]) underscores the meticulous care with which God watched over His apostle. While the act was carried out by Roman authorities, the narrative implicitly highlights God's sovereign hand in orchestrating events to ensure Paul's safety and the continuation of his ministry. The presence of horsemen ensured speed and security, crucial for Paul's preservation.
2. **The Reality of Roman Authority**: The term grounds the narrative in the historical reality of Roman military presence and administrative power in Judea. It depicts the concrete means by which Paul, a Roman citizen, was afforded protection under the empire's legal and military systems. This detail serves to validate the historical accuracy of Luke's account.
3. **Facilitating the Gospel's Advance**: Paul's transfer to Caesarea, secured by these horsemen, was a critical step in his journey toward Rome, where he would ultimately bear witness to Christ before Caesar (cf. [[Acts 23:11]]). Thus, while ἱππεύς is a mundane term, its appearance in the narrative is part of the larger tapestry of God's plan to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, even utilizing secular authorities and their military might.
### Summary
ἱππεύς (hippeús, `{{G2460}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "horseman" or "cavalryman," directly derived from ἵππος (hippos, `{{G2462}}`), "horse." Its two occurrences in the New Testament, both in [[Acts 23]], are strictly literal, referring to the Roman cavalry soldiers who formed part of the large escort protecting the Apostle Paul during his transfer from Jerusalem to Caesarea. The term itself is descriptive and lacks inherent theological depth. However, its presence in the narrative serves to highlight the historical reality of Roman military power and, more significantly, to illustrate God's providential care for His servant Paul, ensuring his safety and the continuation of his apostolic mission, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the Gospel. Unlike the more symbolic imagery of horsemen in Revelation (e.g., ἱππικός `{{G2461}}`), ἱππεύς in Acts maintains a purely factual and historical sense.
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