"an implement, Rom. 6:13; pl. τὰ ὅπλα, arms, armor, weapons, whether offensive or defensive, Jn. 18:3; Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7; 10:4*"
Definition and meaning
an implement, Rom. 6:13; pl. τὰ ὅπλα, arms, armor, weapons, whether offensive or defensive, Jn. 18:3; Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7; 10:4*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὅπλον
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of hoplon (G3696) across the King James Bible.
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
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Common questions
Strong's G3696 (hoplon) is a Greek word that means: an implement, Rom. 6:13; pl. τὰ ὅπλα, arms, armor, weapons, whether offensive or defensive, Jn. 18:3; Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7; 10:4* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word hoplon (G3696) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3696 is hoplon, a Greek word defined as: an implement, Rom. 6:13; pl. τὰ ὅπλα, arms, armor, weapons, whether offensive or defensive, Jn. 18:3; Rom. 13:12; 2 Cor. 6:7; 10:4*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
hoplon is a Greek word found in the New Testament.