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.
Transliteration:speîra
Pronunciation:spi'-rah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term σπεῖρα (speîra), Strong's `{{G4686}}`, carries a primary literal meaning of "a coil" or "a spire," deriving from the Latin *spira*. This reflects its ultimate etymological connection to Greek verbs like αἱρέομαι (haireomai) and εἱλίσσω (heilisso), which convey the sense of taking, winding, or coiling. Figuratively, and most prominently in the New Testament, σπεῖρα denotes a compact and organized "mass of men." Specifically, it refers to a Roman military cohort, a formidable unit typically comprising 600-1000 soldiers. By analogy, the term could also be applied to a disciplined squad of temple functionaries, such as Levitical janitors, though this usage is not explicitly found in the New Testament. The core idea is one of a tightly knit, ordered, and often substantial group.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σπεῖρα appears eight times in the New Testament, exclusively in the Gospels and the book of Acts, and consistently refers to a Roman military unit.
1. **Arrest and Trial of Jesus:**
* In [[Matthew 27:27]] and [[Mark 15:16]], σπεῖρα describes the "band" of soldiers summoned by Pilate to mock Jesus in the Praetorium. This highlights the official and organized nature of the Roman involvement in Jesus' passion.
* Perhaps most significantly, [[John 18:3]] states that Judas "came there with a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and Pharisees." This σπεῖρα was part of the contingent sent to arrest Jesus, underscoring the significant force deployed against Him and the official sanction behind His apprehension.
2. **Roman Military Presence in Acts:**
* In [[Acts 10:1]], Cornelius is identified as a centurion of "the Italian Cohort" (σπεῖρα). This provides a specific historical and military context for the conversion of the first Gentile, demonstrating the early church's encounter with the established Roman power structure.
* [[Acts 21:31]] describes the chief captain of the "cohort" (σπεῖρα) intervening to quell the riot against Paul in Jerusalem. This intervention saved Paul's life, illustrating the Roman authorities' role in maintaining order and, at times, inadvertently protecting the apostles.
* Similarly, in [[Acts 23:10]], the chief captain orders the "cohort" (σπεῖρα) to rescue Paul from the Sanhedrin, again showcasing Roman military discipline and their role in Paul's protection and eventual journey to Rome.
* Finally, [[Acts 27:1]] mentions that Paul was delivered to a centurion of "the Augustan Cohort" (σπεῖρα) for his voyage to Rome. This further emphasizes the official Roman custody under which Paul traveled, leading to his eventual appeal to Caesar.
In all these instances, σπεῖρα consistently denotes a Roman military cohort, emphasizing its disciplined nature, its role in maintaining order, and its direct interaction with key figures in the New Testament narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of σπεῖρα is intrinsically linked to the broader Roman military system and its presence within the provinces. Related Greek terms that shed light on this context include:
* στρατιώτης (stratiōtēs) `{{G4757}}`: "soldier," the individual members of the σπεῖρα.
* χιλίαρχος (chiliarchos) `{{G5506}}`: "chief captain" or "commander of a thousand," often the officer in charge of a σπεῖρα (cohort). Examples include Claudius Lysias in Acts.
* ἑκατοντάρχης (hekatontarchēs) `{{G1543}}`: "centurion," the commander of a century (100 men) within a σπεῖρα. Cornelius is a prime example.
* τάγμα (tagma) `{{G5002}}`: a more general term for "that which is ordered, a division, a band," though σπεῖρα specifically denotes a military cohort.
* πλήθος (plēthos) `{{G4128}}`: "multitude" or "crowd," which stands in contrast to the organized and disciplined nature of a σπεῖρα. While a πλήθος can be chaotic, a σπεῖρα is always structured.
The presence of σπεῖρα highlights the reality of Roman occupation and administration in Judea and across the Roman Empire, providing the socio-political backdrop for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of σπεῖρα in the New Testament carries significant theological weight:
1. **The Official Nature of Jesus' Crucifixion:** The deployment of a full Roman σπεῖρα for Jesus' arrest and the subsequent mockery underscores that His execution was not merely a mob action or a Jewish religious matter, but an officially sanctioned act of the Roman state. This highlights the immense power of the world arrayed against the Son of God, yet He willingly submitted to it. It points to the fulfillment of prophecies concerning His suffering at the hands of Gentiles.
2. **God's Sovereignty Over Human Authority:** Despite the σπεῖρα representing the overwhelming military might of the Roman Empire, the narratives consistently show that this power ultimately served God's sovereign purposes. In the Passion, their presence confirms the judicial nature of the cross, an event ordained by God from eternity. In Acts, the Roman cohorts, often through their commanders, inadvertently protect God's servants (like Paul) and facilitate the spread of the Gospel, even across vast distances and against various oppositions. This demonstrates God's ability to use secular powers, even those seemingly indifferent or hostile, to advance His kingdom.
3. **The Contrast of Powers:** The disciplined, earthly power of the σπεῖρα stands in stark contrast to the spiritual power and unity of the early Christian community. While the σπεῖρα operates by force and human law, the Church operates by the power of the Holy Spirit and divine grace, often challenging the very structures the σπεῖρα represents. Yet, God orchestrates interactions between these two realms for His glory.
### Summary
The Greek term σπεῖρα (speîra) `{{G4686}}` primarily designates a Roman military cohort, a disciplined and substantial "band" of soldiers. Its occurrences in the New Testament are pivotal, particularly in the accounts of Jesus' arrest and crucifixion, where it emphasizes the official, state-sanctioned nature of His suffering. In the book of Acts, σπεῖρα consistently refers to Roman military units that interact with the early church, often playing an instrumental, albeit sometimes unwitting, role in the protection and advancement of the apostles and the Gospel. Theologically, σπεῖρα serves as a powerful reminder of God's ultimate sovereignty over all earthly powers, demonstrating how even the mightiest human institutions are ultimately instruments in His divine plan for redemption and the spread of His kingdom.
TRV