UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: shield

Semantic entry: 6.40

Semantic domains: Artifacts

Subdomains: Weapons and Armor

Definition: a long, oblong shield; used to protect the entire body in battle; made of wood, metal, leather stretched over wood, or plaited strips of wood or reeds

Notes: In some languages ‘shield’ is described as ‘protection one carries when one fights’ or ‘protection carried to prevent blows from the enemy.’ The phrase ἀναλαβόντες τὸν θυρεὸν τῆς πίστεως may thus be rendered as ‘take hold of faith as a protection against the enemy’ or ‘regard your faith as a protection to prevent the attacks of the enemy.’

Further resources: realia:2.10.1