UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: heavenly, in heaven, pertaining to heaven

Semantic entry: 1.12

Semantic domains: Geographical Objects and Features

Subdomains: Regions Above the Earth

Definition: (derivative of οὐρανός [source selector 000001][b] heaven, 1.11: οὐρανός) related to or located in heaven

Notes: The derivatives οὐράνιος and ἐπουράνιος [source selector 000001][b] are essentially equivalent to semantic compounds in that they combine a semantic element of heaven as a celestial abode with another semantic element specifying location or relationship. Frequently such terms are translated as ‘in heaven’ or ‘from heaven’ or ‘belonging to heaven.’

Sense 2: throng of angels, ranks of angels

Semantic entry: 12.30

Semantic domains: Supernatural Beings and Powers

Subdomains: Supernatural Beings

Definition: (an idiom, literally: heavenly army) a large group or throng of angels

Notes: There may be distinct objections to speaking of στρατιὰ οὐράνιος as being a ‘heavenly army,’ though undoubtedly in earlier times the thought of angels being God’s military force would have been quite appropriate. Therefore, in place of some expression which may refer to an army or military unit, it may be possible to translate στρατιὰ οὐράνιος as simply ‘many, many angels’ or ‘row after row of angels.’

Collocations: στρατιὰ οὐράνιος