Sabaoth etymology

Etymology and Meaning

The word "Sabaoth" is of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "ṣābāʾ" meaning "hosts" or "armies." It is commonly used in the Bible to refer to the heavenly hosts or armies of the Lord.

Origins

In the Old Testament, Sabaoth is primarily associated with the God of Israel, Yahweh. It is used to describe:

  • The heavenly beings that serve and obey God (e.g., Psalms 80:1; 1 Kings 22:19)
  • The heavenly bodies, such as the sun, moon, and stars (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:19)
  • The armies of Israel, who were seen as representing God's power on earth (e.g., 1 Samuel 17:45)

The concept of Sabaoth as the heavenly hosts is further developed in later Jewish and Christian texts, where it is associated with:

  • Angels and other supernatural beings
  • The eschatological reign of God
  • The triumph of God over his enemies

Name of God

In some cases, Sabaoth is used as a name or attribute of God himself. For example:

  • "Yahweh of Hosts" (e.g., Isaiah 6:3)
  • "Lord of Hosts" (e.g., Psalm 24:10)

This usage emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation, including the heavenly and earthly armies.

Usage in the Bible

The word "Sabaoth" appears approximately 270 times in the Bible, primarily in the Old Testament. It is often used in conjunction with other attributes of God, such as:

  • Holy
  • Strong
  • Great
  • Eternal

Overall, Sabaoth is a significant term in the biblical tradition, representing the heavenly hosts, the power of God, and the sovereignty of the Lord over all creation.

Sabaoth relate terms

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  • Sabaoth

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