παρεμβολή

a camp, barracks, army in battle array

Definition

The Greek word παρεμβολή (parembolē) primarily refers to a military camp, barracks, or an army arranged for battle. In the New Testament, it most often denotes the specific Roman military barracks in Jerusalem, such as the fortress of Antonia where Paul was taken for protection (Acts 21:34, 22:24, 23:10). In a more general sense, it can refer to an army encampment, as seen in Hebrews 11:34 where the faith of God's people 'escaped the edge of the sword' and 'became mighty in war, putting foreign armies to flight.' Finally, in Hebrews 13:11, the word is used metaphorically for the 'camp' of Israel, referencing the Old Testament sacrificial system where bodies were burned 'outside the camp.'

Biblical Usage

Παρεμβολή is used 10 times in the New Testament, exclusively in Acts and Hebrews. In Acts (7 occurrences), it consistently refers to the physical Roman barracks or fortress in Jerusalem, detailing the events of Paul's arrest and custody (e.g., Acts 21:37, 23:16, 23:32). In Hebrews (3 occurrences), the usage is more varied: Hebrews 11:34 uses it literally for an enemy army, while Hebrews 13:11, 13 use it metaphorically for the Israelite camp under the Mosaic law, drawing a contrast with the Christian experience 'outside the camp.'

Etymology

Derived from the verb παρεμβάλλω (paremballō), meaning 'to throw in beside, to insert, or to deploy (troops).' It is a compound word: παρά (para, 'beside') and ἐμβάλλω (emballō, 'to throw in'). The core idea is of something, especially troops, being placed or stationed in a position. This root meaning clearly informs its biblical usage for a military encampment or garrison.

Semantic Range

This word holds theological significance, particularly in the Book of Hebrews. In Hebrews 13:11-13, the author uses the imagery of the Old Testament sin offering being burned 'outside the camp' (ἔξω τῆς παρεμβολῆς) to explain Jesus's crucifixion outside Jerusalem's gates. This metaphor teaches that Jesus suffered outside the religious establishment to sanctify people, calling believers to join Him 'outside the camp,' bearing reproach. Understanding παρεμβολή enriches the contrast between the old covenant's physical, exclusive camp and the new covenant's call to identify with Christ in His rejection.

For first-century readers, especially in Judea, παρεμβολή would immediately evoke the powerful presence of the Roman military occupation. The 'barracks' (παρεμβολή) mentioned in Acts was likely the Fortress of Antonia, a permanent military garrison adjacent to the Jerusalem temple complex, symbolizing Roman control and order. This context adds tension to the narratives in Acts, where Jewish crowds clash with Roman authority. The metaphorical use in Hebrews draws directly from the Israelite wilderness wanderings, where the 'camp' was a organized, holy space centered on the Tabernacle, with strict boundaries for purity.

στρατόπεδον (stratopedon, G4760) — A more general term for an army encamped or a battlefield, used in Revelation 20:9 for the 'camp of the saints.' παρεμβολή often specifies a fortified barracks or garrison. στρατιά (stratia, G4756) — Refers to an army as a body of soldiers or host (e.g., heavenly host in Luke 2:13), not the physical place of encampment. φρουρά (phroura, G5438) — Means a guard, watch, or prison (Acts 12:10); emphasizes the custodial function rather than the military base itself.

Word Details

Scripture References