### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stratiṓtēs**, represented by `{{G4757}}`, defines a **soldier** or a common warrior. It appears **26 times** across **24 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's base definition is a "camper-out," which points to the life of a warrior, whether in a literal military context or in a figurative sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4757}}` is frequently used to describe Roman soldiers carrying out their duties. They are depicted as instruments of state authority, particularly during the passion of Christ. The **soldiers** gathered the whole **band** to the common **hall** ([[Matthew 27:27]], [[Mark 15:16]]), **platted** a **crown** of **thorns** [[John 19:2]], **crucified** Jesus [[John 19:23]], and parted His **raiment** by casting **lots** [[John 19:24]]. It was a **soldier** who **pierced** his side with a **spear** [[John 19:34]]. They also acted as guards, keeping Peter in **prison** ([[Acts 12:4]], [[Acts 12:6]]) and transporting Paul under guard ([[Acts 23:31]], [[Acts 28:16]]). The centurion in [[Matthew 8:9]] describes having **soldiers** under his **authority**.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the military and authoritative context surrounding the **soldier**:
* `{{G1543}}` **hekatontárchēs** (centurion): An officer in command of soldiers. A **centurion** is addressed alongside **soldiers** when Paul warns them about the ship's safety [[Acts 27:31]] and when he delivers **prisoners** to the captain of the guard [[Acts 28:16]].
* `{{G4686}}` **speîra** (band): This refers to a Roman military cohort or a squad. The **soldiers** of the governor gathered the whole **band** to mock Jesus [[Matthew 27:27]].
* `{{G1187}}` **dexiolábos** (spearman): A specific type of light-armed soldier. Two hundred **spearmen** were commanded to make ready, along with other **soldiers** and **horsemen**, to transport Paul [[Acts 23:23]].
* `{{G1198}}` **désmios** (prisoner): This word describes a captive who is often guarded by soldiers. Paul was delivered as a **prisoner** with a **soldier** to guard him [[Acts 28:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4757}}` is most clearly seen in its figurative application to the life of a believer. The concept moves beyond a literal warrior to a spiritual one.
* **Enduring Hardship:** Paul exhorts Timothy to "**endure hardness** as a **good** **soldier** of Jesus Christ" [[2 Timothy 2:3]]. This reframes Christian suffering and perseverance as a form of military discipline and resilience `{{G2553}}`.
* **Devotion and Service:** The term is used to describe a "**devout** **soldier**" who waited continually on Cornelius [[Acts 10:7]]. This highlights a quality of piety and steadfast service `{{G2152}}`, which parallels a believer's devotion to God.
* **Following Commands:** A soldier's duty is to obey orders without question, a theme illustrated by the centurion who understands authority and commands his **soldiers** to come and go ([[Matthew 8:9]], [[Luke 7:8]]). Figuratively, this points to the believer's submission to the commands of Christ.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4757}}` carries both a literal and a profound figurative meaning. On a literal level, it identifies the Roman **soldiers** who acted as agents of authority in the New Testament, playing a central role in the imprisonment of the apostles and the crucifixion of Jesus. Figuratively, the word is elevated to describe the ideal Christian, who must **endure hardness** [[2 Timothy 2:3]], demonstrate steadfast devotion, and operate under the ultimate authority of Jesus Christ. The **soldier** thus becomes a powerful symbol of the discipline, loyalty, and perseverance required in the spiritual life.
TRV