"also spelled λεγεών, a Roman legion; in NT used indefinitely for a great number, Mt. 26:53; Mk. 5:9, 15, Lk. 8:30*"
Definition and meaning
also spelled λεγεών, a Roman legion; in NT used indefinitely for a great number, Mt. 26:53; Mk. 5:9, 15, Lk. 8:30*
In the original Greek the word is written: λεγιών
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
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 legion (G3003) across the King James Bible.
Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?
And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.
And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3003 (legion) is a Greek word that means: also spelled λεγεών, a Roman legion; in NT used indefinitely for a great number, Mt. 26:53; Mk. 5:9, 15, Lk. 8:30* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word legion (G3003) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3003 is legion, a Greek word defined as: also spelled λεγεών, a Roman legion; in NT used indefinitely for a great number, Mt. 26:53; Mk. 5:9, 15, Lk. 8:30*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
legion is a Greek word found in the New Testament.