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G716 · Greek · New Testament
ἅρμα
Harma
Noun, neuter
Chariot, war chariot

Definition

The Greek harma (ἅρμα) means 'chariot' — the horse-drawn vehicle used for war, travel, and royal processions. In Acts 8:28-29, the Ethiopian eunuch is reading Isaiah in his chariot when Philip is directed by the Spirit to approach. In Revelation 9:9, the sound of demonic locusts is likened to the thunder of many chariots rushing into battle.

Usage & Theological Significance

The chariot in Acts 8 becomes the vehicle of extraordinary grace. An Ethiopian court official — a eunuch, excluded from the assembly of Israel under Mosaic law (Deut 23:1) — is riding in a chariot, reading Isaiah 53, and the Spirit orchestrates a divine appointment. Philip explains the gospel, baptizes the man, and disappears. The excluded becomes included; the far becomes near; the eunuch becomes the first African believer recorded in Scripture. The chariot that bore him was bearing him toward Christ before he knew it. God prepares His encounters long before we recognize them. The chariot of Revelation 9 inverts this image — but even demonic power operates only within divine permission.

Key Bible Verses

Acts 8:28 And on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the Book of Isaiah the prophet.
Acts 8:29 The Spirit told Philip, 'Go to that chariot and stay near it.'
Acts 8:38 And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.
Revelation 9:9 Their wings sounded like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

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