Bible Dictionaries
Legion

Holman Bible Dictionary

(lee' giohn) In the New Testament a collection of demons (Mark 5:9 ,Mark 5:9,5:15; Luke 8:30 ) and the host of angels (Matthew 26:53 ). Behind this usage was the Roman military designation. The legions were the best soldiers in the army. At different times in Rome's history, the legion numbered between 4,500,6,000 soldiers. It was composed of differently skilled men: spearmen, commandos, skirmish specialists, calvary, and reserves. Originally, one had to be a property owner and Roman citizen to belong, but these requirements were waived depending on the need for troops.

Mike Mitchell