Brief Overview of παρεμβολή (Strong’s G3925: parembolē)

Strong’s G3925: A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with ἐμβολή (insertion/placing), meaning “encampment, barracks, army camp.” Used in Acts for Roman military barracks and in Hebrews metaphorically for God’s people’s camp. Reflects both military and spiritual contexts in ancient Mediterranean culture.

U- Unveiling the Word

παρεμβολή primarily denotes a military encampment or barracks. In Acts, it refers to the Roman military fortress Antonia adjacent to the Jerusalem temple. In Hebrews, it takes on spiritual significance, describing both Israel’s wilderness camp and the Christian’s willingness to bear Christ’s reproach “outside the camp.” The compound structure suggests ordered arrangement of forces. Early church fathers used this term to discuss both physical persecution and spiritual separation. Today, it reminds believers of both physical opposition and spiritual distinctiveness.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παρεμβολή, parembolē, /par-em-bo-LAY/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + em (as in ‘them’) + bo + LAY (stressed)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside
• ἐν- (en-): in
• βάλλω (ballō): to throw/place
• -η (-ē): feminine noun ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Military camp
• Fortress/barracks
• Ordered arrangement of troops

For compound words:
The combination creates the concept of placing (βάλλω) in (ἐν) alongside (παρα), suggesting organized military positioning

Translation Options:

• “Barracks” – emphasizes permanent military structure
• “Camp” – captures temporary nature
• “Fortress” – stresses defensive aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στρατόπεδον (stratopedon) /strat-OP-ed-on/ – army camp, more general
• φρούριον (phrourion) /FROO-ree-on/ – fortress, emphasizing defense
• παρεμβάλλω (paremballō) /par-em-BAL-lo/ – to encamp, verbal form

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παρεμβολή exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
παρεμβολή (nom. sing.)
παρεμβολῆς (gen. sing.)
παρεμβολαί (nom. pl.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its military origins. LSJ documents extensive classical military usage. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications in Hebrews. Moulton and Milligan note its common use in military documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“The tribune commanded him to be brought into the [παρεμβολή] barracks” (Acts 21:34)

Additional References:
Acts 21:37, Acts 22:24, Acts 23:10, Acts 23:16, Acts 23:32, Hebrews 11:34, Hebrews 13:11, Hebrews 13:13, Revelation 20:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παρεμβολή represents both literal military installations and metaphorical spiritual concepts, bridging physical security and spiritual separation in biblical usage.

D – Did You Know?

• The term refers specifically to the Antonia Fortress in Acts
• It became a metaphor for spiritual separation in early Christian writing
• The word influenced Christian vocabulary for church-world relationships

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun combining παρά (beside) with ἐμβολή (insertion/placing), meaning “encampment, barracks, army camp.” Used in Acts for Roman military barracks and in Hebrews metaphorically for God’s people’s camp. Reflects both military and spiritual contexts in ancient Mediterranean culture.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #military #fortress #acts #hebrews #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #separation #persecution​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​