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quaternion

Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:

(file of four). A Roman guard of four soldiers two of whom watched prisoners within the door, and two watched the door outside (Acts 12:4-10⁴And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. ⁵Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. ⁶And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. ⁷And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. ⁸And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. ⁹And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. ¹⁰When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him. (Acts 12:4‑10)).

Concise Bible Dictionary:

A party of “four soldiers.” Four such parties were told off to guard Peter when in prison, that they might relieve each other every three hours in the night (Acts 12:4⁴And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. (Acts 12:4)).

Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:

Number:

5069 (find all occurrences in KJV Bible)

Greek:

τετράδιον

Transliteration:

tetradion

Phonic:

tet-rad’-ee-on

Meaning:

neuter of a presumed derivative of τέτρας (a tetrad; from 5064); a quaternion or squad (picket) of four Roman soldiers

KJV Usage:

quaternion