G4686: σπεῖρα
speîra · “band”
Definition
a coil (spira, "spire"), i.e. (figuratively) a mass of men (a Roman military cohort; also (by analogy) a squad of Levitical janitors)
KJV translates it as: band
Word origin: of immediate Latin origin, but ultimately a derivative of G138 (αἱρέομαι) in the sense of its cognate G1507 (εἱλίσσω);
Extended definition
(on this form of genitive, see M, Pr., 38, 48; Bl., § 7, 1; Mayser, 12; Deiss., BS, 186), [in LXX: Jdth.14:11, 2Ma.8:23 2Mac 12:20 2Mac 12:22 * ;]
1. (= Lat. spira) anything wound or rolled up, a coil.
2. As a military term used (by Polyb. and later writers) of a body of soldiers, a maniple (third part of a cohort) or cohort (see Swete, Mk., 375; Westc., Jo., 251 f.): Mat.27:27, Mrk.15:16, Jhn.18:3, 12, Act.10:1 21:31 27:1.†
(AS)
Abbott-Smith Manual Greek Lexicon (1922) via STEPBible TBESG (CC BY 4.0).
How G4686 is translated
- cohort ×3
- the cohort ×2
- cohort, ×1
- of the cohort ×1
Bible verses with G4686 (speîra)
Speîra appears in 7 verses.
- Matthew 27:27
Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered unto him the whole band of soldiers.
- Mark 15:16
And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Pretorium; and they call together the whole band.
- John 18:3
Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons.
- John 18:12
Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,
- Acts 10:1
There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
- Acts 21:31
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
- Acts 27:1
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.