from a compound of παρά and ἐμβάλλω; a throwing in beside (juxtaposition), i.e. (specially), battle-array, encampment or barracks (tower Antonia):--army, camp, castle.
Transliteration:parembolḗ
Pronunciation:par-em-bol-ay'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun παρεμβολή (parembolḗ, `{{G3925}}`) is derived from the compound of παρά (para, "beside" or "alongside") and ἐμβάλλω (emballō, "to throw in" or "to cast"). This etymological root suggests a primary meaning of "a throwing in beside" or "a placing alongside," implying juxtaposition or arrangement. From this foundational sense, the word developed specialized military connotations, which dominate its usage in the New Testament. Its semantic range encompasses:
1. **Battle-array:** A military formation, an army drawn up in strategic order for combat.
2. **Encampment:** A temporary or permanent military camp, a place where soldiers are stationed or quartered.
3. **Barracks/Fortress:** More specifically, a fortified military post or castle, like the Tower of Antonia in Jerusalem, which served as Roman military headquarters.
The word thus consistently points to a context of order, security, and strategic positioning, almost exclusively within a military sphere.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Parembolḗ appears seven times in the New Testament, with distinct contextual applications:
* **Acts (6 occurrences):** In the book of Acts, παρεμβολή consistently refers to the Roman military barracks, specifically the Tower of Antonia, which was adjacent to the Temple in Jerusalem.
* In [[Acts 21:34]], the Roman commander orders Paul to be taken into the barracks following the riot in the Temple.
* [[Acts 21:37]] records Paul's request to speak to the crowd from the steps leading into the barracks.
* [[Acts 22:24]] states that the commander brought Paul into the barracks for examination by scourging.
* In [[Acts 23:10]], the commander rescues Paul from a mob and brings him back into the barracks.
* [[Acts 23:16]] mentions Paul's nephew coming to the barracks to warn him of a plot.
* Finally, [[Acts 23:32]] describes the soldiers returning to the barracks after escorting Paul to Antipatris.
In these contexts, the παρεμβολή functions as a place of Roman military authority, confinement, and, paradoxically, a place of protection for Paul under divine providence.
* **Hebrews (3 occurrences):** The usage in Hebrews is significantly different and carries profound theological weight.
* [[Hebrews 11:34]] speaks of Old Testament heroes who "put foreign armies (παρεμβολάς) to flight." Here, παρεμβολή clearly denotes a military "army" or "battle-array," emphasizing the active, conquering power of faith.
* In [[Hebrews 13:11]], the author references the Mosaic sacrificial system: "For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin are burned *outside the camp* (ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς)." This refers to the Israelite wilderness encampment, which was a ritually pure space, requiring impure things (like the bodies of sin offerings) to be removed from it.
* Most significantly, [[Hebrews 13:13]] exhorts believers: "Therefore let us go forth to Him, *outside the camp* (ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς), bearing His reproach." This is a direct theological application of the previous verse, inviting believers to identify with Christ's suffering and rejection, linking it to the imagery of the sin offering being taken outside the sacred space.
### Related Words & Concepts
The military aspect of παρεμβολή connects it to other terms denoting military forces or arrangements, such as στρατιά (stratia, "army," `{{G4756}}`) or τάξις (taxis, "order," "array," `{{G5010}}`). The concept of an "encampment" or "camp" also relates to σκηνή (skēnē, "tent," "tabernacle," `{{G4636}}`), especially in the context of the Israelite wilderness journey. The theological usage in Hebrews, particularly the phrase "outside the camp," evokes Old Testament concepts of ritual purity, separation, and the nature of sacrifice (e.g., Leviticus 4, 16). It also stands in contrast to the idea of the "holy city" or "heavenly city" ([[Hebrews 13:14]]), highlighting the transient nature of earthly allegiances for the believer.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παρεμβολή is multifaceted, evolving from its literal military applications to profound spiritual truths. In Acts, the Roman barracks symbolize the intersection of divine providence with human authority. Even within the confines of a pagan military fortress, God's plan for Paul's mission unfolds, demonstrating His sovereignty over earthly powers.
In Hebrews, the word takes on a deeper, typological meaning. The "army" in [[Hebrews 11:34]] underscores faith's capacity for spiritual victory. However, the most profound theological import lies in the imagery of the "camp" in [[Hebrews 13:11]] and [[Hebrews 13:13]]. The Mosaic "camp" represented the consecrated space of Israel, ritually pure and separated unto God. Sin offerings, bearing the impurity of the people, were taken *outside* this camp to be consumed. This serves as a powerful type for Christ's sacrifice: He, the ultimate sin offering, suffered "outside the gate" of Jerusalem ([[Hebrews 13:12]]), bearing the reproach and impurity of humanity's sin.
The command to "go forth to Him *outside the camp*" ([[Hebrews 13:13]]) is a radical call to discipleship. It signifies a willingness to identify with Christ's rejection and suffering, to separate from worldly systems and religious establishments that reject Him, and to embrace a pilgrim existence. It implies forsaking worldly approval and the comforts of conventional religion to follow Christ wherever He leads, even into reproach and suffering, recognizing that our true citizenship and ultimate dwelling are in the "city which is to come" ([[Hebrews 13:14]]).
### Summary
The Greek word παρεμβολή (parembolḗ, `{{G3925}}`) primarily denotes a military formation, encampment, or barracks, stemming from its root meaning of "a throwing in beside." In the book of Acts, it consistently refers to the Roman military barracks (the Tower of Antonia), serving as a symbol of Roman authority and a place where Paul experienced both confinement and divine protection. In the Epistle to the Hebrews, the word's semantic range expands significantly. In [[Hebrews 11:34]], it signifies a victorious "army" or "battle-array," highlighting the power of faith. More profoundly, in [[Hebrews 13:11]] and [[Hebrews 13:13]], it refers to the Mosaic "camp" of Israel. This imagery is employed to draw a powerful theological parallel: just as sin offerings were taken "outside the camp" due to their impurity, so Christ suffered "outside the gate," bearing the reproach of sin. Believers are therefore exhorted to "go forth to Him outside the camp," embracing the reproach of Christ and signifying a radical separation from worldly systems and a commitment to a heavenly citizenship, finding their true dwelling in the city which is to come. Thus, παρεμβολή bridges literal military and physical locations with profound theological truths concerning Christ's sacrifice, identification with His suffering, and the pilgrim nature of the Christian life.
TRV