of immediate Latin origin, but ultimately a derivative of αἱρέομαι in the sense of its cognate εἱλίσσω; a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e. (figuratively) a mass of men (a Roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of Levitical janitors):--band.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **speîra**, represented by `{{G4686}}`, refers to a **band** of men, typically a Roman military cohort. It appears 7 times across 7 unique verses in the Bible. The term derives from a Latin word for a coil, figuratively describing a mass of men, and can denote either a Roman cohort or a squad of Levitical janitors.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical accounts, `{{G4686}}` is used to identify specific military units and groups of officials. It is mentioned in connection with Roman military authority, such as the "Italian **band**" in Caesarea [[Acts 10:1]] and "Augustus' **band**" to which the centurion Julius belonged [[Acts 27:1]]. A **band** of men and officers, dispatched from the chief priests and Pharisees, was instrumental in the arrest of Jesus [[John 18:3]], taking and binding Him [[John 18:12]]. Following His arrest, the governor's soldiers gathered the whole **band** to mock Jesus in the common hall ([[Matthew 27:27]], [[Mark 15:16]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the military and official nature of a `{{G4686}}` **band**:
* `{{G5506}}` **chilíarchos** (captain): The commander of a thousand soldiers, this officer is mentioned with the **band** that arrested Jesus [[John 18:12]] and the **band** in Jerusalem during an uproar [[Acts 21:31]].
* `{{G1543}}` **hekatontárchēs** (centurion): This term for a captain of one hundred men is used to identify the commanders of both the "Italian **band**" [[Acts 10:1]] and "Augustus' **band**" [[Acts 27:1]].
* `{{G4757}}` **stratiṓtēs** (soldier): This word for a warrior is used to describe the members of the governor's **band** who gathered to mock Jesus [[Matthew 27:27]] and led Him to the Praetorium [[Mark 15:16]].
* `{{G5257}}` **hypērétēs** (officer): These subordinates or assistants are mentioned alongside the **band** that Judas received from the chief priests and Pharisees to arrest Jesus [[John 18:3]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4686}}` lies in its role within key biblical narratives:
* **Instrument of Authority:** The word `{{G4686}}` consistently represents organized power, whether Roman military units like the "Italian **band**" [[Acts 10:1]] or the group authorized by the chief priests [[John 18:3]].
* **Role in Christ's Passion:** A **band** is central to the narrative of Jesus's arrest and suffering. Judas receives a **band** to capture Jesus [[John 18:3]], and later the "whole **band**" is gathered to mock Him before His crucifixion ([[Matthew 27:27]], [[Mark 15:16]]).
* **Force of Conflict:** The term is present during moments of intense conflict. A **band** is involved when the people of Jerusalem are in an uproar [[Acts 21:31]], and it is a **band** that comes with weapons to take Jesus [[John 18:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4686}}` provides a specific term for a cohort or organized group of armed men. While it denotes Roman military units and their structure, its most significant use is in the context of the passion of Christ, where the **band** acts as the instrument of His arrest and mockery. The word highlights the organized human authority, both religious and secular, that was arrayed against Jesus and the early believers.
TRV