The Greek term denotes both the physical camp where an army encamps and the organized military force itself. Classical usage speaks of encamped armies, squadrons of ships, and Roman legions. It could also mean the emperor's court or military headquarters. Jesus uses this term in his apocalyptic discourse about Jerusalem's coming destruction, warning that when they see 'armies' surrounding the city, desolation has drawn near. The plural suggests multiple military formations or encampments converging on Jerusalem, fulfilled in Rome's siege of AD 70. The military terminology emphasizes organized, systematic destruction rather than random violence.