Brief Overview of στρατόπεδον (Strong’s G4760: stratopedon)

Strong’s G4760: A compound word from στρατός (army) and πέδον (ground), referring to an army encamped or military camp. In NT context, specifically describes the Roman armies surrounding Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy of the city’s destruction.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στρατόπεδον, literally meaning “army ground,” represents both an encamped army and its camp. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ prophetic warning about Jerusalem’s destruction, referring to the Roman legions that would surround the city in 70 AD. Early church fathers saw this as a powerful validation of Jesus’ prophecy and divine foreknowledge. Today, στρατόπεδον reminds us of both God’s sovereignty in history and His faithful warnings to His people.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στρατόπεδον, stratopedon, /strat-op’-ed-on/
• Detailed Pronunciation: strat-OP-eh-don (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• στρατός (stratos) – “army”
• πέδον (pedon) – “ground, earth”
  The combination denotes ground occupied by an army.

D – Defining Meanings

• An encamped army
• A military camp
• Army quarters
• A legion’s position

For compound words:
Στρατός (army) + πέδον (ground) combines to indicate the ground where an army is stationed or the army itself in position

Translation Options:

1. “Armies” – Emphasizes the military force
2. “Encampment” – Highlights the location aspect
3. “Military camp” – Combines both force and location

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. παρεμβολή (parembolē) /par-em-bol-ay’/ – camp, fortress. See G3925
2. στρατιά (stratia) /strat-ee’-ah/ – army, host. See G4756
3. λεγιών (legiōn) /leg-eh-own’/ – legion. See G3003

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, στρατόπεδον exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative/Genitive/Dative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Singular: στρατόπεδον (nominative/accusative), στρατοπέδου (genitive), στρατοπέδῳ (dative)
• Plural: στρατόπεδα (nominative/accusative), στρατοπέδων (genitive), στρατοπέδοις (dative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use for Roman military forces. Thayer’s notes both camp and army meanings. LSJ documents its extensive military usage. Vine’s highlights its prophetic context. Strong’s connects it to encampment. Moulton and Milligan show its technical military usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by [στρατόπεδον] armies, then recognize that her desolation is near.” Luke 21:20

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στρατόπεδον powerfully illustrates God’s sovereign control over history. Jesus used this term to prophesy Jerusalem’s fall, demonstrating His divine knowledge and authority. While it represents military might, it reminds us that all earthly powers serve God’s purposes, even in judgment, and that His warnings are trustworthy.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word became a technical term for a Roman legion in its camp.
2. Early Christians saw its fulfillment in 70 AD as proof of Jesus’ messianic authority.
3. The term influenced early church descriptions of spiritual warfare.

Strong’s G4760: A compound word from στρατός (army) and πέδον (ground), referring to an army encamped or military camp. In NT context, specifically describes the Roman armies surrounding Jerusalem, fulfilling Jesus’ prophecy of the city’s destruction.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: army, military-camp, jerusalem-destruction, prophecy, roman-legion, encampment, divine-judgment, military-force, roman-army, greek-noun​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​