ὅπλον (hoplon)
hoplon
weapon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hoplon simply means a tool, implement, or weapon. In the New Testament it appears in five verses, often referring to physical arms used in warfare, such as the swords and clubs brought by the temple guards to arrest Jesus (John 18:3). However, the word carries a strong metaphorical weight when applied to spiritual realities.
Paul uses hoplon to describe the equipment of righteousness. In Romans 6:13 he warns believers not to offer their bodies as instruments of unrighteousness, contrasting this with offering themselves as "instruments of righteousness." Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 10:4 and 13:12, he speaks of spiritual weapons and the armor of light. The term emphasizes that these are not passive states but active tools for engagement.
Its root likely connects to being busy or occupied, suggesting an object designed for a specific task. Translators usually render it as "weapon" or "instrument," highlighting that believers are equipped for active service rather than mere defense. The word underscores the practical nature of Christian living, where faith is exercised through tangible actions and choices.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word hoplon refers to a tool or weapon designed for a specific task. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from physical arms used by temple guards to spiritual equipment for believers. This term reminds us that our faith is not passive; it involves active engagement and intentional choices in daily life.
Paul uses this concept to encourage Christians to view their bodies and actions as instruments of righteousness rather than tools for sin. It highlights the practical nature of serving God, where every decision can be an act of spiritual significance. This perspective invites us to consider how we use our time, energy, and resources in alignment with God’s purposes.
Understanding hoplon helps us see that Christian living is about being equipped for service. Whether facing personal challenges or engaging with the world, we are called to use what God has provided with purpose and integrity. This awareness brings clarity and direction to our walk of faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- weapons2×
- [as] instruments2×
- weapons.1×
- armor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὅπλα4×
- ὅπλων.¶1×
- ὅπλων1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 6:13
Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Paul uses this term to contrast offering ourselves as instruments of unrighteousness versus instruments of righteousness, emphasizing active choice in spiritual alignment.
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II Corinthians 10:4
for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,
Here the word describes spiritual weapons that are powerful for tearing down strongholds, showing that Christian conflict relies on divine strength rather than human effort.
-
John 18:3
Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.
This verse references physical weapons brought by soldiers, providing a concrete example of the word's basic meaning in a historical narrative context.