σαβαώθ
sabaṓth
G4519 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A plural noun referring to 'armies,' 'hosts,' or 'organized multitudes,' especially as a titular element in divine epithets (e.g., 'Lord of hosts'). In Greek usage, σαβαώθ functions as a transliteration of the Hebrew term צְבָאוֹת (tseva'ot), designating celestial or earthly armies, divine retinues, or cosmic forces under God's command. In certain contexts, it becomes synonymous with God's power to command or muster heavenly and human forces.
Semantic Range
armies, hosts, multitudes (heavenly or earthly), divine retinues, cosmic forces, titular element in divine designation (e.g., LORD of hosts)
Root / Etymology
Transliteration of the Hebrew צְבָאוֹת (tsevaʾot, plural of צָבָא, 'army, host'). Entered Greek via the Septuagint as a foreign, untranslated title, not by native Greek word-formation. Root Hebrew stem: צ-ב-א.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Septuagint (LXX), σαβαώθ appears as a direct transliteration, most notably in the phrase κύριος σαβαώθ, corresponding to the Hebrew יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת (YHWH of Hosts), and functions as a title emphasizing God's sovereignty over all powers—celestial beings, earthly armies, or cosmic forces. In the New Testament, σαβαώθ is rare (e.g., Romans 9:29, James 5:4), always as part of titles inherited from Hebrew scripture. It is never naturalized into Greek vocabulary and retains a foreign, reverential quality, often left untranslated in Greek and later Latin and English traditions to preserve its connotation. Later Christian liturgies and theological traditions also retain it untranslated or as 'Sabaoth.' English translations frequently render this as 'LORD of hosts,' but this may obscure the militaristic and cosmic undertones present in the original phrase. The term does not refer to human armies alone but may evoke the heavenly retinue or the entirety of created powers. Unlike the native Greek ἄγγελοι ('angels'), which specifies divine messengers, σαβαώθ is broader and less personalized, referring to a collective multitude under divine authority.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (צָבָא in feminine plural); armies; sabaoth (i.e. tsebaoth), a military epithet of God:--sabaoth.
Root Family
σαβαώθ (sabaōth) — armies, hosts, organized multitudes
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4519-01 |
Σαβαὼθ | sabaoth | N GEN M PL |
of Sabaoth | of hosts | of hosts | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4519-01 |
Romans 9:29 | Σαβαὼθ | sabaoth | N GEN M PL |
of Sabaoth | of hosts | of hosts |
G4519-01 |
James 5:4 | Σαβαὼθ | sabaoth | N GEN M PL |
of Sabaoth | of hosts | of hosts |