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.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **parembolḗ**, represented by `{{G3925}}`, refers to a place of military lodging or a formation of troops. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses**. Its meaning ranges from a literal military **castle** or barracks to a symbolic **camp** representing a community, and also to an **army** arranged for battle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3925}}` is used in several distinct contexts. In the book of Acts, it consistently refers to the Roman barracks or **castle** in Jerusalem, a place of confinement and protection for the apostle Paul ([[Acts 21:34]], [[Acts 22:24]]). In Hebrews, the word evokes the Old Testament **camp** of the Israelites, a place with defined spiritual boundaries. Sacrifices for sin were burned "without the **camp**" [[Hebrews 13:11]], and believers are called to go to Jesus, also "without the **camp**," bearing his reproach [[Hebrews 13:13]]. The term is also translated as **armies**, as when heroes of the faith "turned to flight the **armies** of the aliens" [[Hebrews 11:34]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G3925}}` is used:
* `{{G5506}}` **chilíarchos** (chief captain): This officer of the Roman army is the one who repeatedly commands Paul to be brought into the **castle** `{{G3925}}` for protection and examination [[Acts 23:10]].
* `{{G1854}}` **éxō** (without): This word is key to understanding the theological use of "camp" in Hebrews. It describes the location **without** the camp where sacrificial bodies were burned [[Hebrews 13:11]] and where believers are called to go [[Hebrews 13:13]].
* `{{G4171}}` **pólemos** (fight, war): This term is used alongside `{{G3925}}` to describe military conflict, where the faithful grew valiant in **fight** and repelled the **armies** of aliens [[Hebrews 11:34]].
* `{{G2944}}` **kyklóō** (to encircle, i.e. surround): In Revelation, hostile forces **compassed** the **camp** `{{G3925}}` of the saints, illustrating a state of being under siege [[Revelation 20:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G3925}}` is shown through its varied applications.
* **Place of Worldly Power and Protection:** In Acts, the **castle** represents Roman authority. It is a place of physical safety for Paul from a mob, but also a place of interrogation and confinement, highlighting the complex relationship between the believer and secular powers ([[Acts 21:34]], [[Acts 22:24]]).
* **Symbol of Separation:** The concept of the **camp** in Hebrews establishes a powerful metaphor for the community of faith. To go "without the **camp**" is to identify with the rejection Christ faced and to move away from old religious systems toward a new reality in Him [[Hebrews 13:13]].
* **The Church Under Siege:** In its final appearance, the "camp of the saints" represents the beleaguered but beloved community of God's people on earth, surrounded by enemies but under divine protection [[Revelation 20:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3925}}` **parembolḗ** is a multifaceted term that evolves from a literal military encampment to a profound spiritual symbol. Whether referring to a Roman **castle**, the Israelite **camp**, or the **armies** on a battlefield, the word consistently defines a community in terms of its position, its boundaries, and its relationship with outside forces, both hostile and divine.
TRV