ἅρμα (harma)
harma
chariot
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun harma simply means a chariot, specifically a vehicle drawn by horses. Its root connects to the idea of joining or fitting together, reflecting how the parts of a war machine were assembled for use. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, always in a military or royal context rather than as everyday transport.
Two occurrences in Acts describe the Ethiopian eunuch’s journey. He was riding in his chariot when Philip joined him, first reading Isaiah and then hearing the gospel explained (Acts 8:28-38). This use highlights harma as a personal vehicle of status and travel.
The remaining references are in Revelation. John sees visions of war horses whose breath kills men, and their heads resemble lions with fire, smoke, and sulfur issuing from their mouths (Revelation 9:9). Here, the chariot represents divine judgment and terrifying power, emphasizing its role as a weapon of war rather than a symbol of peace.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word harma refers to a chariot, a vehicle drawn by horses that signified power, speed, and high status in the ancient world. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, offering two distinct glimpses into how God uses such symbols. We see it first as a place of quiet study and personal journey, where an Ethiopian official sits reading Scripture until Philip joins him.
Later, in Revelation, the imagery shifts dramatically. John describes the terrifying sound of heavenly forces rushing to war like many chariots. Here, the vehicle represents divine judgment rather than human travel. Whether it carries a seeker toward faith or serves as a symbol of God’s ultimate authority, the chariot reminds us that God is active in history.
This word invites us to consider where we are headed and who guides our path. In moments of seeking truth, God may bring companions like Philip to explain His Word. In times of uncertainty, He remains sovereign over all forces, whether they serve peace or justice. We can trust that the same God who guided a chariot through the desert holds our lives in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- chariot2×
- of chariots1×
- chariot,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἅρματος1×
- ἅρματι1×
- ἅρμα,1×
- ἁρμάτων1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 8:28
He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
This verse establishes the chariot as a setting for personal spiritual seeking, showing the eunuch actively reading Isaiah before encountering the gospel.
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Acts 8:29
The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.”
The Spirit’s command to join the chariot highlights divine intervention in human journeys, directing Philip to an unexpected place of ministry.