θυρεός (thureos)
thureos
long shield
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun thureos refers to a large, oblong shield, specifically the heavy rectangular scutum used by Roman soldiers. Unlike the smaller, round shields carried by light infantry, this piece of armor was substantial enough to cover a soldier’s entire body, offering comprehensive protection in close combat.
In Ephesians 6:16, Paul uses this image to describe faith as a defensive tool that "quenches all the flaming arrows of the evil one." The choice of vocabulary is significant; by selecting the word for the heavy Roman shield rather than the lighter Greek hoplon, the text emphasizes the believer’s ability to withstand sustained, intense spiritual assault. This imagery connects directly to Old Testament passages where God Himself is described as a shield, reinforcing the idea that faith provides divine protection against overwhelming odds.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thureos describes the heavy, rectangular shield used by Roman soldiers, a piece of equipment designed to cover the entire body. In Ephesians 6:16, Paul invites you to take up this shield of faith. This is not a small buckler for quick deflections, but a substantial barrier capable of withstanding sustained assault. It suggests that your trust in God is meant to be robust enough to stop even the most intense spiritual attacks.
When life feels overwhelming, this image reminds you that protection is available through faith. The text says this shield allows you to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. You do not have to face every challenge alone or with your own strength. Instead, you can rely on a divine covering that stands firm against fear, doubt, and hostility.
This assurance offers peace in difficult seasons. It is an invitation to rest in the security God provides, knowing that your faith acts as a reliable defense. May you feel supported by this promise today, finding comfort in the knowledge that you are guarded and held.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- shield1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θυρεὸν1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 6:16
above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where Paul specifically uses the term for the heavy Roman shield to illustrate how faith stops every attack from the evil one.