### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stráteuma**, represented by `{{G4753}}`, is defined as **an armament, i.e. (by implication) a body of troops (more or less extensive or systematic):--army, soldier, man of war**. It appears **8 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. This term consistently refers to an organized group of soldiers, whether human or supernatural, operating as a single unit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G4753}}` is used to describe various military bodies. It can refer to a king's punitive force, as when a wroth king **sent forth** his **armies** to **destroy** murderers [[Matthew 22:7]]. It also describes a detachment of Roman **soldiers** commanded by a **chief captain** to rescue the apostle Paul from a violent crowd ([[Acts 23:10]], [[Acts 23:27]]). In a more personal context, it denotes Herod's **men of war** who mocked Jesus [[Luke 23:11]]. The word is also used for vast, apocalyptic forces, such as the **army** of horsemen numbering two hundred thousand thousand [[Revelation 9:16]] and the earthly **armies** gathered to make war against Christ [[Revelation 19:19]]. Conversely, it describes the heavenly **armies** that **followed** Christ from **heaven**, **clothed in fine linen** [[Revelation 19:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to frame the military and structural context of `{{G4753}}`:
* `{{G3925}}` **parembolḗ** (army, camp, castle): This word denotes an encampment or barracks. It is the destination for the **soldiers** `{{G4753}}` who are commanded to bring Paul into the **castle** for protection [[Acts 23:10]].
* `{{G4171}}` **pólemos** (battle, fight, war): This term signifies warfare itself. The earthly **armies** `{{G4753}}` gather together to make **war** against the one who sits on the horse and his **army** `{{G4753}}` [[Revelation 19:19]].
* `{{G5506}}` **chilíarchos** (chief, high) captain: As the "commander of a thousand soldiers," this term identifies the leader of an **army** `{{G4753}}`. It is the **chief captain** who commanded the **soldiers** to rescue Paul [[Acts 23:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4753}}` is demonstrated through its varied applications, from earthly powers to cosmic forces.
* **Instrument of Human Authority:** `{{G4753}}` often represents the power of human rulers and systems. This is seen with Herod's **men of war** [[Luke 23:11]] and the Roman **army** used to maintain order and rescue a Roman citizen [[Acts 23:27]].
* **Agent of Divine Judgment:** The term is used figuratively to depict a force of divine retribution. In the parable of the wedding feast, the king's **armies** are an instrument of judgment against those who murdered his servants [[Matthew 22:7]].
* **Representation of Cosmic Conflict:** The most profound use of `{{G4753}}` is in Revelation, where it illustrates the organized nature of spiritual warfare. It contrasts the earthly **armies** gathered with the **beast** [[Revelation 19:19]] against the holy **armies** of **heaven** that follow Christ [[Revelation 19:14]], framing the final battle between good and evil.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4753}}` moves beyond a simple definition of a body of troops. It is a term that illustrates organized power in both the physical and spiritual realms. Whether depicting a Roman cohort, a king’s force of judgment, or the celestial hosts of heaven, **stráteuma** signifies a collective body acting under a unified command. Its usage highlights themes of authority, judgment, and the ultimate spiritual **war** between the forces of heaven and earth.
TRV