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στρατόπεδον (stratopedon)

stratopedon

army camp

G4760 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun stratopedon refers to a military camp or an encamped army. It combines words for "army" and "plain," suggesting the open ground where troops set up their tents. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 21:20.

Jesus uses this specific term when describing the siege of Jerusalem. He warns that when the city is surrounded by armies, those inside will face destruction. The word highlights the tangible reality of Roman forces closing in, turning a spiritual warning into a concrete image of military encirclement and imminent danger.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

When Jesus spoke of Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, He used a precise military term for an encamped force. This image captures the inescapable reality of siege, where hope seems cut off from every side. It reminds us that God’s warnings are not abstract concepts but grounded in real historical events and tangible circumstances.

For your life today, this word offers comfort rather than fear. Knowing that Jesus foretold these events shows His sovereignty over history. When you face situations that feel like being trapped or surrounded by problems, remember that the One who spoke of such sieges also holds the keys to deliverance and peace.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • encampments1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • στρατοπέδων1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 21:20
    “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.

    This verse uses the specific military term for an encamped army to describe the siege of Jerusalem, emphasizing the tangible reality of divine judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does stratopedon mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek noun meaning an army camp or encamped military force. It appears only once in the New Testament, describing the Roman forces surrounding Jerusalem.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It is found exclusively in Luke 21:20, where Jesus warns His disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem by surrounding armies.

Why did Jesus use a military term here?

Jesus used this specific word to provide a clear, visual warning of imminent danger. It helps readers understand the severity and inevitability of the siege He was predicting.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)