of Latin origin; a "legion", i.e. Roman regiment (figuratively):--legion.
Transliteration:legeṓn
Pronunciation:leg-eh-ohn'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word λεγεών (legeṓn, `{{G3003}}`) is a direct transliteration of the Latin term "legio," which refers to a Roman military legion. Historically, a Roman legion was a formidable and highly organized military unit comprising approximately 5,000 to 6,000 soldiers, including infantry, cavalry, and support personnel. Its primary meaning, therefore, is rooted in military might, discipline, and a vast numerical strength. In the New Testament, λεγεών is used exclusively in a figurative sense. It does not refer to an actual Roman military unit, but rather denotes an immense, overwhelming number or a powerful, organized collective, often with a connotation of formidable, even intimidating, force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term λεγεών appears four times in the New Testament, across three distinct narrative contexts:
1. **Demonic Possession (Mark 5:9, 5:15; Luke 8:30):** The most prominent usage occurs in the account of Jesus healing the Gerasene (or Gadarene) demoniac. When Jesus asks the unclean spirit its name, it replies, "My name is Legion, for we are many" ([[Mark 5:9]], cf. [[Luke 8:30]]). This response is profoundly significant. It conveys not merely a large number of demons inhabiting the man, but also suggests their organized, unified, and destructive power, mirroring the perceived invincibility and order of a Roman legion. The sheer numerical strength and coordinated malevolence implied by "Legion" underscores the overwhelming spiritual bondage the man experienced. Yet, Jesus, with a single command, utterly disarms and casts out this formidable demonic "legion," demonstrating His absolute and unchallenged authority over the spiritual realm. The subsequent mention of the man being "clothed and in his right mind" ([[Mark 5:15]]) further emphasizes the profound restoration wrought by Christ's power over this "legion."
2. **Jesus' Authority Over Angels (Matthew 26:53):** In the Garden of Gethsemane, when Peter draws his sword to defend Jesus from arrest, Jesus rebukes him, stating, "Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels?" ([[Matthew 26:53]]). Here, λεγεών is used to describe an innumerable host of angelic forces. Twelve legions would equate to 60,000-72,000 angels, a hyperbole emphasizing the vastness of divine power at Jesus' disposal. This usage highlights Jesus' supreme authority and His voluntary submission to the Father's will. He *could* summon an overwhelming heavenly army for His defense, but He chooses not to, willingly embracing the path of suffering and sacrifice to fulfill prophecy and God's redemptive plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a term rooted in military organization, λεγεών is conceptually linked to:
* **Multitude/Many:** The core idea of a large number is central. Related Greek words include πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`) for "many" or "much," and πλήθος (plēthos, `{{G4128}}`) for "multitude" or "crowd."
* **Power/Force:** The concept of a powerful, formidable force is inherent. This connects to words like δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`) for "power" or "ability," and ἰσχύς (ischys, `{{G2479}}`) for "strength" or "might."
* **Military Terminology:** While λεγεών is the only direct transliteration of a specific Roman military unit, it aligns with broader concepts of armies, hosts, and organized forces (e.g., στρατιά (stratia, `{{G4756}}`) for "army" or "host," often used for angelic hosts).
* **Demonic Realm:** In the context of the Gerasene demoniac, λεγεών is intrinsically linked to δαιμόνιον (daimonion, `{{G1140}}`) for "demon" and πνεῦμα ἀκάθαρτον (pneuma akatharton, `{{G4151}}` `{{G169}}`) for "unclean spirit."
* **Angelic Realm:** In Matthew, it relates directly to ἄγγελος (angelos, `{{G32}}`) for "angel" and the concept of heavenly hosts.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of λεγεών centers predominantly on the absolute sovereignty and authority of Jesus Christ.
1. **Christ's Authority Over Evil:** In the account of the Gerasene demoniac, the "legion" of demons represents a concentrated, overwhelming force of evil. The Roman legion was a symbol of imperial power and invincibility, yet Jesus effortlessly commands and casts out this spiritual "legion." This demonstrates His unparalleled authority over the demonic realm, proving that no force, however numerous or organized, can withstand His divine power. It signifies the triumph of God's kingdom over the forces of darkness.
2. **Christ's Voluntary Sacrifice and Divine Humility:** In Matthew 26, Jesus' statement about summoning "twelve legions of angels" reveals the immense, available power at His command. He is not a helpless victim but the sovereign Son of God, capable of delivering Himself from any earthly threat. His deliberate choice *not* to call upon this angelic host underscores His willing submission to the Father's plan of redemption, which necessitated His suffering and death. This highlights His divine humility and the depth of His love, as He willingly embraced the cross for the salvation of humanity, rather than asserting His rightful power.
3. **Contrast of Earthly vs. Divine Power:** The very word λεγεών, a symbol of Rome's formidable earthly power, is subverted in the biblical narrative to highlight the infinitely superior power of God. The might of a Roman legion pales in comparison to Christ's authority over demons or His access to angelic armies. This reinforces the theological truth that true power resides not in human might or military strength, but in the divine authority of God.
### Summary
The Greek word λεγεών (legeṓn, `{{G3003}}`), derived from the Latin "legio," fundamentally describes a Roman military legion, a large and formidable unit. In the New Testament, its usage is exclusively figurative, denoting an immense, overwhelming multitude or a powerful, organized force. Its most striking appearances are in the Gospels: first, when a demon identifies itself as "Legion" ([[Mark 5:9]], [[Luke 8:30]]), signifying a vast number of unclean spirits; and second, when Jesus declares He could summon "more than twelve legions of angels" ([[Matthew 26:53]]) to His defense. Theologically, λεγεών powerfully underscores the absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ. He effortlessly vanquishes a "legion" of demons, demonstrating His supreme authority over evil, and yet voluntarily refrains from summoning an angelic "legion," highlighting His profound humility and willing submission to the Father's redemptive plan. The term thus serves to magnify Christ's unparalleled power and purposeful self-sacrifice in the face of both spiritual opposition and human betrayal.
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