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ἅρμα

hárma

G716 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A vehicle with wheels, primarily designed for use in warfare or ceremonial processions; specifically, a chariot. In Greek literature and the Septuagint, most often denotes a two-wheeled, horse-drawn vehicle used in battle contexts; also, more generally, a wheeled conveyance for important persons or for religious displays. Can refer to an ornate or symbolic chariot in metaphorical or poetic context.

Semantic Range

war-chariot, ceremonial chariot, royal or noble vehicle, any wheeled conveyance for status or display, metaphorical or poetic reference to swift or exalted transport

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ἁρμ- (harm-), related to 'joining' or 'fitting together.' Connected to ἁρμόζω ('to fit, join, arrange') and ἁρμός ('joint, fastening'). The suggestion of derivation from αἴρω ('to raise, lift'), as in Strong's note, is less likely among modern scholarship; the formation is more plausibly connected to the sense of putting parts together, i.e., the construction of a frame or vehicle.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἅρμα referred to the typical Greek chariot used in racing, processions, and combat; often seen in Homeric literature and artistic depictions. In the Septuagint, ἅρμα is frequently used as the equivalent of Hebrew רֶכֶב (rekhev), denoting Egyptian and Israelite/Israelite chariots in military or ceremonial contexts. In the New Testament, the term is rare but, when present, retains its sense of a vehicle of status or war. Distinguished from ἅμαξα (hamaxa), which refers to a wagon or cart of broader utility (e.g., for goods or people, not necessarily for war or ceremonial use). English 'chariot' is a standard rendering but sometimes fails to capture the specific military or ceremonial nuance of the term within Greco-Roman and ancient Near Eastern cultures. The concept included not only the vehicle itself but also symbolic connotations of power, speed, or prestige.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from αἴρω (perhaps with Α (as a particle of union) prefixed); a chariot (as raised or fitted together (compare ἁρμός)):--chariot.

Root Family

ἁρμ- (hárma) — to join, to fit together, to connect

Root ἁρμ- to join, to fit together, to connect
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G719 ἁρμός of joints

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G716-01 ἅρμα arma N ACC N SG chariot a chariot chariot 1
G716-02 ἅρματι armati N DAT N SG chariot to a chariot chariot 1
G716-03 ἁρμάτων armaton N GEN N PL of chariots of chariots of chariots 1
G716-04 ἅρματος armatos N GEN N SG chariot of a chariot chariot 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G716-04 Acts 8:28 ἅρματος armatos N GEN N SG chariot of a chariot chariot
G716-02 Acts 8:29 ἅρματι armati N DAT N SG chariot to a chariot chariot
G716-01 Acts 8:38 ἅρμα arma N ACC N SG chariot a chariot chariot
G716-03 Revelation 9:9 ἁρμάτων armaton N GEN N PL of chariots of chariots of chariots
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