δεξιολάβος (dexiolabos)
dexiolabos
slinger
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The rare noun dexiolabos refers to a soldier who fights with his right hand, specifically identified in Acts 23:23 as a slinger or spearman. The word combines terms for "right" and "taking" or "holding," pointing to a fighter who relies on the strength and dexterity of his dominant arm. In this context, it describes one of the two hundred soldiers assigned to escort Paul safely to Caesarea.
While some ancient sources suggest the term might simply mean a spearman posted on the right flank, the primary understanding is that of a specialized infantryman. Slingers were highly valued in the ancient world for their ability to strike with lethal force from a distance, using stones or lead weights. By specifying this type of soldier, the text highlights the significant military effort required to protect Paul, ensuring he was guarded by trained combatants rather than ordinary guards.
This single occurrence underscores the value placed on Paul’s safety by Roman authorities. The use of a specific military term for a slinger or right-handed fighter adds precision to the narrative, showing that the escort detail included elite troops capable of defending against ambushes. It serves as a concrete detail in the account of Paul’s journey, illustrating the careful planning involved in his transfer.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dexiolabos describes a soldier who fights with his right hand, specifically a slinger or spearman. In Acts 23:23, Paul’s Roman commander orders two hundred of these trained fighters to escort him. This detail shows that protecting the apostle was a serious matter requiring elite troops capable of defending against ambushes.
For your faith, this highlights God’s providence in unexpected ways. Even when surrounded by enemies, God uses human authorities and military precision to keep His servants safe. The strength of these soldiers points to the greater strength of God who guards those He has called.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- spearmen1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεξιολάβους1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 23:23
He called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred men armed with spears, at the third hour of the night.”
This verse specifies the military escort, using dexiolabos to describe the specialized soldiers assigned to ensure Paul's safe passage.