The meaning of “πόλεμος”
Understanding pólemos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
battle, fight, war. - warfare (literally or figuratively - a single encounter or a series)
πόλεμος
battle, fight, war. - warfare (literally or figuratively - a single encounter or a series)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 24:6 | “And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.” Word: πόλεμος (pólemos) | |
| Mark 13:7 | “And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.” Word: πόλεμος (pólemos) | |
| Luke 21:9 | “But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.” Word: πόλεμος (pólemos) | |
| 1 Corinthians 14:8 | “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” Word: πόλεμος (pólemos) | |
| Hebrews 11:34 | “Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.” Word: πόλεμος (pólemos) |