Topical Encyclopedia
In biblical terms, the concept of "companies" often refers to groups or assemblies of people gathered for a specific purpose, whether for travel, warfare, worship, or other communal activities. The term is used in various contexts throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the importance of collective action and community in the biblical narrative.
Old Testament Usage1.
Military Companies: In the Old Testament, the term "company" frequently describes military units or groups of soldiers. For example, in
Genesis 32:1-2, Jacob encounters the angels of God and names the place Mahanaim, meaning "two camps" or "two companies," reflecting a military-like formation. Similarly, in
1 Samuel 13:17, the Philistines send out raiding companies from their camp, indicating organized military detachments.
2.
Traveling Companies: The Israelites often traveled in companies during their wilderness journey. In
Exodus 12:51, the children of Israel are described as leaving Egypt "by their divisions," which can be understood as organized groups or companies. This orderly arrangement was crucial for maintaining structure and discipline during their long journey.
3.
Prophetic Companies: The Old Testament also mentions companies of prophets. In
1 Samuel 10:5, Saul encounters a company of prophets coming down from the high place, prophesying with musical instruments. These groups were often associated with schools or guilds of prophets, indicating a communal aspect to their ministry and training.
New Testament Usage1.
Communal Gatherings: In the New Testament, the concept of companies can be seen in the gatherings of believers.
Acts 1:15 describes a company of about 120 believers gathered in the upper room, united in prayer and waiting for the Holy Spirit. This reflects the early Christian emphasis on community and shared faith.
2.
Travel and Missionary Work: The apostle Paul often traveled with companions, forming small companies for missionary journeys. In
Acts 20:4, several men are listed as accompanying Paul, illustrating the importance of teamwork and support in spreading the Gospel.
Theological ImplicationsThe biblical use of "companies" underscores the value of community and collective effort in fulfilling God's purposes. Whether in battle, worship, or mission, the Scriptures highlight the strength and support found in numbers.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 speaks to this principle: "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if one falls, the other will lift up his companion."
Spiritual Lessons1.
Unity and Cooperation: The formation of companies in the Bible teaches the importance of unity and cooperation among God's people. As seen in the early church, believers are called to work together, supporting one another in faith and mission.
2.
Preparedness and Order: The organized nature of companies, especially in military contexts, emphasizes the need for preparedness and order in spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:10-18 encourages believers to put on the full armor of God, suggesting a disciplined and collective approach to spiritual battles.
3.
Community and Fellowship: The gatherings of believers in the New Testament highlight the significance of community and fellowship in the Christian life.
Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts believers not to forsake assembling together, recognizing the strength and encouragement found in communal worship and support.
In summary, the concept of "companies" in the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, cooperation, and collective action in fulfilling God's purposes and advancing His kingdom.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) Plural of Company.
Strong's Hebrew
7218. rosh -- head... 11), beheaded* (1), best (1), best things (1), bodyguard* (1), captains (3), census
(7), chief (35), chief men (6), chiefs (3),
companies (7), company (5
...4264. machaneh -- an encampment, camp
... Word Origin from chanah Definition an encampment, camp NASB Word Usage armies (6),
army (27), army camp (1), camp (158), camps (12),companies (3), company (5...
6951. qahal -- assembly, convocation, congregation
... Word Origin from an unused word Definition assembly, convocation, congregation NASB
Word Usage army* (1), assembly (95),companies (1), company (15...
Library
The Exposition of Details Continued. The Sitting Down on the Grass...
... Book XI. 3. The Exposition of Details Continued. The Sitting Down on the
Grass. The Division intoCompanies. We have spoken these...
Verse 1. What Will Ye See in the Shulamite, but theCompanies of...
... CHAPTER VII. VERSE 1. What will ye see in the Shulamite, but thecompanies of camps?
How beautiful are thy feet with shoes, O prince's daughter!...
The Christian Army
... Armies, as you know, are divided into regiments, and regiments intocompanies.... Now,
in the Christian army there are also regiments andcompanies....
The Sunday School or Church School
... adolescent boy. Now, every regiment, in peace or war, is properly organized
with battalions,companies, and squads. Everything is...
The Secondary Division or Teen Age Boys' Crusade
... NOTE."Once this information is gathered it can be kept up-to-date by arrangement
with the movingcompanies and the water, gas and electric lightcompanies....
One Way to Help Boys
... Then on Sunday almost all thecompanies have Bible class, with the same
punctuality, interest and attention as during the week day....
The Crowning of Abimelech
... occasion. And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were with him, by
night, and they laid wait against Shechem in fourcompanies....
The World's Bread
... go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes.39. And he commanded
them to make all sit down bycompanies upon the green grass.40....
Eighth Commandment
... shrink from taking what belongs to another person, thinks nothing of stealing from
the government or from large public corporations, such as streetcarcompanies...
I Fear, I Say, Greatly for Thee, Lest...
... With those sayings therecompanies fear which hath torment, which perfect charity
casteth forth; but with these sayings therecompanies chaste fear of the Lord...
Thesaurus
Companies (38 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Companies (38 Occurrences). Mark 6:39 And he commanded
them to make all sit down by
companies upon the green grass.
...Revised
... These criticisms of the AmericanCompanies were duly considered by the English
Companies during the second revision and the decisions were again sent to...
American
... These criticisms of the AmericanCompanies were duly considered by the English
Companies during the second revision and the decisions were again sent to...
Company (287 Occurrences)
... eg: (1) Caravan, (a) migratory (Isaiah 21:13 the King James Version); (b) commercial
(Genesis 37:25 the King James Version); Job 6:19, "Thecompanies of Sheba...
Version
... These criticisms of the AmericanCompanies were duly considered by the English
Companies during the second revision and the decisions were again sent to...
Quaternion
... of quadrinomial form. 5. (vt) To divide into quaternions, files, orcompanies.
Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. QUATERNION. kwa-tur...
Jars (28 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:16 And he divided the three hundred men into threecompanies, and put trumpets
into the hands of all of them and empty jars, with torches inside the...
Torches (18 Occurrences)
... Judges 7:16 He divided the three hundred men into threecompanies, and he put into
the hands of all of them trumpets, and empty pitchers, with torches within...
Recline (14 Occurrences)
... (DBY YLT). Mark 6:39 And he commanded them to make all recline incompanies upon
the green grass, (YLT). Luke 9:14 for they were about five thousand men....
Rushed (24 Occurrences)
... Judges 9:44 Abimelech, and thecompanies that were with him, rushed forward, and
stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and the twocompanies rushed on...
Resources
Should Christians boycott companies that support anti-Christian policies? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong for a Christian family to use hospice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about competition? | GotQuestions.orgCompanies: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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