[Greek] θυρεός (thyreos): long oblong shield, armor for protection; Eph.6:16
A re-enactment of the testudo (“turtle”) formation of the Roman infantry. The Roman scutum (shield) has a rectangular circular shape.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term essentially means shield. The original meaning refers to a large stone placed in front of a door as a guard against intrusion. The shield’s form has varied over time among cultures. A scutum is a Roman rectangular semi-circular shield protecting the soldier. Homer’s Iliad 15.646 states “For, as he turned back, he tripped upon the rim of the shield that he himself bare, a shield that reached to the feet, a defense against javelins.” Polybius’ Histories 2.30 states “For the Gallic shields, not being big enough to cover the man, the larger the naked body, the more certainty was there of the spear hitting.”
Old Testament: This term means shield, buckler, thorn (hook), and God’s protection. A buckler is a small hand-held shield. This term metaphorically refers to God’s faithfulness, protection, and favor. Hedges of thorns are also used as a barrier of protection. Prepare shield and buckler! March to battle (Jer.46:3). Take up the shield and buckler, rise up in my defense (Psa.34:2). Lord, bless the just; you surround them with favor like a shield (Psa.5:12). God’s faithfulness is a protecting shield (Psa.91:4). He shall take invincible rectitude as a shield (Sol.5:19). Better than a stout shield and a sturdy spear it will fight for you against the foe (Sir.29:13). He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him (2Kgs.22:31). A shield before me is God who saves the honest heart (Psa.7:10).
New Testament: This term, found only once, refers to a shield. Faith is metaphorically presented as a shield. This metaphorical shield is used to quench (put out) the flaming arrows of the evil one. These flaming arrows are the attacks (actions) of the devil. Faith, like a shield, is a divine given reality. The faith (fellowship) granted to believers can ward off these attacks.
Scripture:
“In all circumstances, hold faith as a shield, to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” Eph.6:16
Thyroid: The name of this gland comes from thyreos (shield) and eidos (like). The thyroid has an oblong shield shape. The term thyroid was first used by Thomas Wharton in 1675. The thyroid regulates the body’s metabolism. Interestingly, goiter (enlarged thyroid) comes from the Latin term gutter, meaning throat. The Latin word glandulae refers to thyroid.
Conclusion:
Thyroid
It is perhaps not surprising that this term has the sense of protection. The original meaning of this term refers to a stone before a door. It does make sense that the early Greek physicians would have described the thyroid as door shaped.
In the Old Testament, it is important to note that God, not faith, is considered as a shield. I learned that a buckler is a small hand held circular shield. Thorns and hooks are also related to this term.
In the New Testament, this term only metaphorically represents faith as a shield protecting against the fiery arrows of the evil one.
The Christian life and a battle are often like two sides of the same shield.