Bible Dictionary
Legion
A legion was the principal division of the Roman army, ordinarily numbering about six thousand infantry with supporting cavalry. In the Gospels the word also expresses a very large and organized multitude.
Definition
A legion was a principal division of the Roman army. In the time of Christ it ordinarily contained about six thousand infantry, besides a cavalry contingent amounting to about one-tenth of the foot soldiers.
Biblical Usage
In Matthew 26:53 and Mark 5:9, “legion” expresses a great multitude and carries the associated idea of order and subordination rather than serving only as a technical military designation.
Historical Background
The number composing a Roman legion varied at different periods; it had earlier consisted of about three thousand men.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
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.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
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. (Matthew 26:53; Mark 5:9)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>le'-jun.</p><p>See ARMY; ARMY, ROMAN.</p>