Legion

Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia

(Matt 26:53) - a division of the Roman army containing six or seven thousand men; originally it numbered 6,200 infantry and 730 cavalry. Its size varied at different times. Rabbinic writers used legion for an indefinite multitude. The demons driven from the possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes said their name was Legion, because they were many (Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30), and the Lord Jesus spoke of twelve legions of angels as an innumerable and irresistible power (Matt 26:53).

Scripture cited

Matthew 26:53 Mark 5:9 Luke 8:30

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