Bible Lexicons

δεξιολάβος, δεξιολαβου, ὁ (δεξιός and λαμβάνω), a word unknown to the earlier writings, found in Constantinus Porphyrogenitus (10th century) de them. 1, 1, who speaks of δεξιολαβοι, as a kind of soldiers, in company with bowmen (τοξοφοροι) 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).