legion Summary and Overview

a regiment of the Roman army, the number of men composing which differed at different times. It originally consisted of three thousand men, but in the time of Christ consisted of six thousand, exclusive of horsemen, who were in number a tenth of the foot-men. The word is used (Matt. 26:53; Mark 5:9) to express simply a great multitude.

the chief subdivision of the Roman army, containing about 6000 infantry, with a contingent of cavalry. The term does not occur in the Bible in its primary sense, but appears to have been adopted in order to express any large number, with the accessory ideas of order and subordination. #Mt 26:53; Mr 5:9|

LE'GION a band of soldiers in the Roman army, consisting of from 6000 to 7000 men; the ordinary number Common Leek. (Allium porrum.) was 6200 foot and 730 horse. In Matt 26:53, and also in Mark 5:9, 2 Sam 20:15, it means a large but indefinite number, and corresponds to the "hosts" of the 0.T. Gen 32:2; Ps 148:2.

The largest division of the Roman army, of which it was, in order and armament, the miniature; 6,000 foot, with a body of horse. Matthew 26:53, "thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels," against this band from the Roman "legion"; not merely My twelve apostles, but twelve "legions," and these "angels?" (compare 2 Kings 6:17; Daniel 7:10.) In Mark 5:9 the demon-possessed says, "my name is legion, for we are many," "because many demons (Greek) were entered into him."