Revelation 1:16
Footnote:
| 4 | The ῥομφαία rhomphaia was originally a "spear" and later a long, curved "sword." Historical accounts and linguistic sources show that it originally functioned as polearm. Rich’s Dictionary of Antiquities describes it as having a wooden shaft of the same dimensions as the iron head, similar to the Roman pilum (javelin). Hesychius lists ῥομφαία as μάχαιρα, ξίφος, ἤ ἀκόντιον μακρόν, indicating it could be a sword, long blade, or even a javelin-like weapon. Additionally, the Dacian falx, a similar weapon, had long-handled variants used with two hands, further supporting the idea that some ῥομφαίαι were polearm-like. Roman military adaptations against Thracian and Dacian warriors—such as reinforcing helmets—suggest that these weapons had enough length and impact force to be effective in breaking shields and armor, a characteristic of polearms and long two-handed weapons. |