STRONGS G1187:
δεξιολάβος,
-ου,
ὁ, (
δεξιός and
λαμβάνω), a word unknown to the earlier writings, found in
Constantinus Porphyrogenitus (
10th century) de them. 1, 1, who speaks of
δεξιολάβοι, as a kind of soldiers, in company with bowmen (
τοξοφόροι) and peltasts; [they are also mentioned by
Theophylact Simocatta (hist. 4, 1) in the
7th century; see the quotations in Meyer].
Since in
Acts 23:23 two hundred of them are ordered to be ready, apparently
spearmen are referred to (carrying a lance in the right hand); and so the
Vulg. has taken it. The great number spoken of conflicts with the interpretation of those who suppose them to be soldiers whose duty it was to guard captives bound by a chain on the right hand. Meyer at the passage understands them to be [either]
javelin men [or
slingers].
Related entry:
δεξιοβόλος,
-ου,
ὁ, (from
δεξιός and
βάλλω),
throwing with the right hand, a slinger, an archer: Acts 23:23 in Lachman ed. min.; cf. the following word.
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