Bible Dictionaries
Soldier

Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words

"a soldier," is used (a) in the natural sense, e.g., Matthew 8:9; 27:27; 28:12; Mark 15:16; Luke 7:8; 23:36; six times in John; thirteen times in Acts; not again in the NT; (b) metaphorically of one who endures hardship in the cause of Christ, 2 Timothy 2:3 .

"an army," is used to denote "a company of soldiers" in Acts 23:10; in Acts 23:27 , RV, "the soldiers," AV, "an army;" in Luke 23:11 (plural), RV, "soldiers," AV, "men of war." See ARMY.

"a fellow-soldier," (sun, "with," and No. 1), is used metaphorically in Philippians 2:25; Philemon 1:2 , of fellowship in Christian service.

always in the Middle Voice in the NT, is used (a) literally of "serving as a soldier," Luke 3:14 , "soldiers" (RV, marg., "soldiers on service," present participle); 1 Corinthians 9:7 , RV, "(what) soldier ... serveth," AV, "(who) goeth a warfare;" 2 Timothy 2:4 , RV, "soldier on service," AV, "man that warreth," lit., "serving as a soldier;" (b) metaphorically, of "spiritual conflict:" see WAR.

Notes: (1) For spekoulator, Mark 6:27 , RV, "soldier of his guard," see GUARD. (2) In 2 Timothy 2:4 stratologeo is rendered "hath chosen (him) to be a soldier," AV (RV, "enrolled (him) as a soldier").