feminine of a derivative of (an army; from the base of στρώννυμι, as encamped); camp-likeness, i.e. an army, i.e. (figuratively) the angels, the celestial luminaries:--host.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stratiá**, represented by `{{G4756}}`, refers to an **army** or **host**. It appears 2 times in 2 unique verses. The term's base definition is camp-likeness, and it is used figuratively in scripture to describe both the angels and the celestial luminaries.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4756}}` describes two distinct types of "hosts." First, it refers to a heavenly gathering for praise, where **suddenly** `{{G1810}}` a **multitude** `{{G4128}}` of the heavenly **host** `{{G4756}}` was with the **angel** `{{G32}}`, **praising** `{{G134}}` **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Luke 2:13]]. Second, it is used to describe an object of idolatrous worship, recounting how **God** `{{G2316}}` **turned** `{{G4762}}` and gave the house of **Israel** `{{G2474}}` up to **worship** `{{G3000}}` the **host** `{{G4756}}` of **heaven** `{{G3772}}` during their **forty** `{{G5062}}` **years** `{{G2094}}` in the **wilderness** `{{G2048}}` [[Acts 7:42]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning of `{{G4756}}`:
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (a messenger; especially an "angel"): This word identifies the members of the heavenly **host** seen praising God [[Luke 2:13]].
* `{{G4128}}` **plēthos** (a fulness, i.e. a large number, throng, populace): This describes the scale of the heavenly **host**, emphasizing that it was a great "multitude" that appeared [[Luke 2:13]].
* `{{G3000}}` **latreúō** (to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage): This act of worship is what Israel wrongfully directed toward the "host of heaven" instead of God [[Acts 7:42]].
* `{{G3772}}` **ouranós** (the sky; by extension, heaven): This specifies the location or origin of the **host**, whether it is the heavenly **host** of angels or the "host of heaven," referring to celestial luminaries [[Acts 7:42]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4756}}` is centered on the object of worship.
* **Angelic Adoration:** The appearance of the heavenly **host** `{{G4756}}` is directly linked to **praising** `{{G134}}` **God** `{{G2316}}`, as seen when a **multitude** `{{G4128}}` of angels **suddenly** `{{G1810}}` appears with an **angel** `{{G32}}` [[Luke 2:13]].
* **Idolatry as Judgment:** The term is used to identify the object of Israel's misdirected worship. As **written** `{{G1125}}` by the **prophets** `{{G4396}}`, **God** `{{G2316}}` **gave** `{{G3860}}` them up to **worship** `{{G3000}}` the **host** `{{G4756}}` of heaven as a consequence of their disobedience [[Acts 7:42]].
* **Created Beings vs. Creator:** The two uses of **host** highlight a crucial biblical theme: the heavenly **host** of angels exists to **worship** `{{G3000}}` God, while the celestial **host** of luminaries, though created by God, became an idol for humanity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4756}}` is a specific term for an **army** or **host** that, despite its infrequent use, illustrates a profound theological contrast. It depicts the rightful praise offered by the heavenly **host** of angels, while also serving as a label for the created celestial bodies that became a focus of idolatry for the house of **Israel** `{{G2474}}`. The word powerfully distinguishes between the proper worship of the Creator and the grave error of worshipping the creation.
TRV