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 noun G4756 (στρατιά, *stratiá*) fundamentally denotes an "army," "military encampment," or a "body of soldiers." Its etymological root is linked to στρώννυμι (strōnnymi), meaning "to spread out" or "to encamp," which underscores the concept of an ordered, deployed, and organized force. Beyond its literal military sense, stratiá extends semantically to encompass any large, organized collective, particularly a "host." In biblical usage, its semantic range specifically includes two primary figurative applications: first, the "heavenly host" referring to angelic beings, emphasizing their organized nature and service to God; and second, the "host of heaven," which denotes celestial luminaries such as stars, sun, and moon, often in the context of their ordered arrangement or, regrettably, as objects of pagan worship. The common thread is that of a multitude, systematically arranged or acting in concert.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term stratiá appears twice in the New Testament, each instance providing a distinct and significant theological insight:
1. **[[Luke 2:13]]**: "And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying..." Here, stratiá unequivocally refers to the angelic beings. In the context of Christ's birth announcement, a single angel is joined by a vast, organized assembly of angels, described as a "heavenly host." Their collective action is one of praise and adoration, glorifying God for the incarnation. This portrays angels not as disparate spirits but as an ordered, purposeful divine army, united in their mission and worship. The sudden appearance and unified voice underscore their organized nature and direct participation in God's redemptive plan.
2. **[[Acts 7:42]]**: "Then God turned and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you offer Me slaughtered animals and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?’" In Stephen's powerful discourse, he recounts Israel's history of rebellion and idolatry. Here, stratiá refers to the celestial bodies—the sun, moon, and stars—which the Israelites, in their apostasy, worshipped instead of the true God. This usage echoes Old Testament condemnations of astral idolatry (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 4:19]], [[2 Kings 21:3]], [[Jeremiah 8:2]]). The "host of heaven" in this context represents created things that became objects of worship, highlighting the grave sin of turning from the Creator to creation.
These two occurrences present a striking contrast: one depicting a divine, obedient, and worshipful host (angels), and the other, a created host that became an object of human disobedience and idolatry (celestial bodies).
### Related Words & Concepts
The term stratiá belongs to a family of Greek words related to military service and organization. These include στρατιώτης (stratiōtēs, `{{G4757}}`), meaning "soldier"; στρατεύω (strateuō, `{{G4754}}`), meaning "to make war" or "to serve as a soldier"; and στρατόπεδον (stratopedon, `{{G4755}}`), meaning "military camp." This lexical family consistently conveys ideas of order, discipline, deployment, and concerted action.
Conceptually, stratiá in its "heavenly host" sense strongly resonates with the Old Testament Hebrew phrase "Lord of hosts" (YHWH Sebaoth), where "hosts" (`{{H6635}}`, *tsaba'*) can refer to both angelic armies and the heavenly bodies, signifying God's supreme sovereignty over all creation, visible and invisible, spiritual and material. The concept of an ordered, innumerable company under divine command is central to both the angelic and celestial usages.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of stratiá is multifaceted:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Order**: The concept of a "host" underscores God's absolute sovereignty. Whether referring to angels or celestial bodies, God is depicted as the supreme Commander who orders and directs all things. The heavenly host of angels operates under His command, fulfilling His will and praising His name. Similarly, the celestial luminaries, though not sentient, move in precise order according to His decree, a testament to His creative power and ongoing providential care.
2. **Angelology and Redemptive History**: The appearance of the "heavenly host" at Christ's birth ([[Luke 2:13]]) highlights the active involvement of angels in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. They are not passive observers but active participants who glorify God for the incarnation, signifying the cosmic importance of Jesus' arrival. Their unified praise demonstrates their perfect obedience and adoration, serving as a model for human worship.
3. **Warning Against Idolatry**: The usage in [[Acts 7:42]] serves as a potent theological warning against the worship of creation rather than the Creator. The "host of heaven" in this context represents the ultimate error of idolatry, where humanity elevates created things (even magnificent ones like stars) to the status of deity. This historical example from Israel's past underscores the perpetual human temptation to worship the visible rather than the invisible God, leading to spiritual alienation and judgment.
4. **Cosmic Worship and Creation**: While the "host of heaven" should not be worshipped, their very existence and ordered movement are a silent testament to God's glory ([[Psalm 19:1]]). The "heavenly host" (angels) actively worship God, providing a glimpse into the ceaseless praise offered in the divine realm.
### Summary
The Greek word G4756 (στρατιά, *stratiá*) primarily means "army" or "host," conveying the idea of an organized multitude. In the New Testament, it is used in two distinct but significant ways: to describe the "heavenly host" of angels praising God at the birth of Christ ([[Luke 2:13]]), emphasizing their ordered service and worship; and to refer to the "host of heaven" (celestial bodies) that Israel idolatrously worshipped ([[Acts 7:42]]), highlighting the sin of turning from the Creator to creation. Both usages underscore God's ultimate sovereignty and control over all "hosts," whether spiritual or physical, demonstrating His power to command angelic armies and order the cosmos. The term serves as a reminder of divine order in creation and the imperative to worship only the one true God, the Lord of all hosts.
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