probably from a primary (to be busy about); an implement or utensil or tool (literally or figuratively, especially, offensive for war):--armour, instrument, weapon.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hóplon**, represented by `{{G3696}}`, denotes an implement, tool, or utensil. It is especially used to mean an offensive **weapon** for war. Appearing **6 times** across **5 unique verses**, its use in scripture shifts from the literal to the deeply figurative, describing both physical armaments and spiritual realities.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of `{{G3696}}` presents a sharp contrast between the physical and spiritual realms. In a literal sense, it describes the **weapons** carried by the **band** `{{G4686}}` of men and **officers** `{{G5257}}` who came with Judas to arrest Jesus [[John 18:3]]. Figuratively, the term is used to define the nature of the Christian's spiritual **warfare** `{{G4752}}`, whose **weapons** are "not **carnal** `{{G4559}}`, but **mighty** `{{G1415}}` through God" [[2 Corinthians 10:4]]. Paul also frames the believer’s body parts, or **members** `{{G3196}}`, as **instruments** that can be yielded to either **unrighteousness** `{{G93}}` or **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` [[Romans 6:13]]. Finally, it is used as the **armour** of **light** `{{G5457}}` that believers must put on [[Romans 13:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the function and nature of `{{G3696}}` as spiritual armour or instruments:
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): from δίκαιος; equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness. This specifies the nature of the spiritual **armour** `{{G3696}}`, which is the "armour of **righteousness**" [[2 Corinthians 6:7]] and "instruments of **righteousness**" [[Romans 6:13]].
* `{{G1746}}` **endýō** (to put on): from ἐν and δύνω (in the sense of sinking into a garment); to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively):--array, clothe (with), endue, have (put) on. This is the action associated with spiritual readiness, as believers are commanded to **put on** the **armour** `{{G3696}}` of light [[Romans 13:12]].
* `{{G3196}}` **mélos** (member): of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body:--member. The body's **members** are identified as the very **instruments** `{{G3696}}` that are to be yielded to God for His purposes [[Romans 6:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3696}}` is significant in describing the Christian life and conflict.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The term defines the believer's struggle not as a physical one, but a spiritual one. The **weapons** `{{G3696}}` of this conflict are not **carnal** `{{G4559}}` but are divinely **mighty** `{{G1415}}` for the **pulling down** `{{G2506}}` of spiritual **strong holds** `{{G3794}}` [[2 Corinthians 10:4]].
* **Instruments of Sanctification:** Believers face a choice in how their bodies are used. Their **members** `{{G3196}}` can be yielded as **instruments** `{{G3696}}` of **unrighteousness** `{{G93}}` to **sin** `{{G266}}`, or they can be presented to God as **instruments** `{{G3696}}` of **righteousness** `{{G1343}}` [[Romans 6:13]].
* **The Christian's Armor:** The concept is used to illustrate a believer's defensive and offensive spiritual state. By casting off the **works** `{{G2041}}` of **darkness** `{{G4655}}`, one can put on the "armour of **light**" [[Romans 13:12]], which is the "armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left" [[2 Corinthians 6:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3696}}` moves beyond its literal meaning of a physical **weapon** to become a powerful metaphor in the New Testament. It is used to characterize the spiritual **warfare** believers are engaged in, defining their tools as spiritual and mighty, not carnal. Furthermore, it illustrates the process of sanctification, where a person's own body can be yielded as an **instrument** for righteousness. The word **hóplon** thereby encapsulates the nature of the Christian's spiritual conflict and moral duty.
TRV