Divine Battalion Count: χιλιάς (Strong’s G5505: chilias) Measures Military Might

Strong’s G5505: A thousand, a group of one thousand, or a military division. Derived from χίλιοι (chilioi), this noun specifically denotes a numerical grouping, often in military or administrative contexts, highlighting organizational structure in both secular and apocalyptic literature.

U- Unveiling the Word

χιλιάς represents more than just a numerical value of one thousand – it embodies the concept of organized multitudes, particularly in military contexts. In the New Testament, it appears prominently in both literal military scenarios and apocalyptic visions. The term carried significant weight in Greco-Roman military organization, where units of a thousand formed crucial tactical divisions. This organizational principle extends into spiritual warfare imagery, especially in Revelation, where χιλιάς helps structure the apocalyptic narrative of God’s armies and the final triumph of His kingdom. Today, this word reminds us of God’s perfect organization and sovereign control over both earthly and heavenly hosts.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χιλιάς, chilias, [khil-ee-as’]
• Detailed pronunciation: kh (as in loch) + ill + ee + ahs
• Part of Speech: Noun (Feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: χίλιοι (chilioi) – thousand
• Suffix: -άς (-as) – forms abstract nouns denoting groups or collections

D – Defining Meanings

• A group of one thousand
• A military division of one thousand
• A numerical unit in apocalyptic literature

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derives from χίλιοι with the -άς suffix indicating grouping

Translation Options:

• Thousand (most common, captures basic numerical value)
• Battalion (reflects military context)
• Regiment (emphasizes organizational structure)

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μυριάς [myrias] [moo-ree-as’] – ten thousand See G3461
• χίλιοι [chilioi] [khil’-ee-oy] – thousand (adjective) See G5507
• ἑκατοντάς [hekatontas] [hek-at-on-tas’] – hundred See G1541

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: χιλιάς (a thousand)
• Genitive: χιλιάδος (of a thousand)
• Dative: χιλιάδι (to/for a thousand)
• Accusative: χιλιάδα (thousand as direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χιλιάς appears significantly in both military and apocalyptic contexts throughout Greek literature. BDAG emphasizes its use as a collective noun denoting groups of exactly one thousand, while Thayer’s highlights its military applications. The LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, particularly in military histories. Vine’s notes its specialized use in Revelation’s prophecies. Moulton and Milligan document its frequent appearance in administrative papyri, suggesting its importance in both governmental and military organization. This technical term maintains precise meaning across various contexts, from practical military applications to symbolic apocalyptic visions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Luke 14:31: “Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand [χιλιάς] to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand?”

Additional References:
Acts 4:4, Revelation 5:11, Revelation 7:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χιλιάς represents more than mere numbers – it embodies divine organization and perfection. In military contexts, it shows God’s sovereignty over earthly powers, while in Revelation, it reveals His perfect planning in apocalyptic events. The term bridges practical organization and spiritual significance, reminding us that the Messiah commands not just earthly battalions but heavenly hosts. This word proclaims that our King Jesus leads an organized, powerful army of light, promising ultimate victory over darkness.

D – Did You Know?

• χιλιάς was a standard unit in both Roman and Greek military organization
• The word appears most frequently in Revelation, particularly regarding the 144,000
• Ancient Greek military commanders used χιλιάς as their primary unit of force calculation

Strong’s G5505: A feminine noun denoting a group of one thousand, particularly in military contexts. Derived from χίλιοι, it appears in both literal military scenarios and apocalyptic literature, emphasizing organizational structure and divine ordering in both earthly and heavenly realms.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: military, numbers, thousand, organization, apocalyptic, warfare, units, battalions, revelation, army​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​