1087. gerousia

Lexicon

gerousia: Council of Elders, Senate

Original Word: γερουσία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: gerousia
Pronunciation: ghe-roo-SEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (gher-oo-see'-ah)
Definition: Council of Elders, Senate
Meaning: the assembly or body of elders.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

council of elders, Sanhedrin

From geron; the eldership, i.e. (collectively) the Jewish Sanhedrin -- senate.

see GREEK geron

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from gerón
Definition
a council of elders
NASB Translation
Senate (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1087: γερουσία

γερουσία, γερουσίας, ἡ (adjective γερούσιος, belonging to old men, γέρων), a senate, council of elders; used in secular authors of the chief council of nations and cities (ἐν ταῖς πόλεσι αἱ γερουσιαι, Xenophon, mem. 4, 4, 16; in the O. T. of the chief council not only of the whole people of Israel, Exodus 3:16, etc.; 1 Macc. 12:6, etc.; but also of cities, Deuteronomy 19:12, etc.); of the Great Council, the Sanhedrin of the Jews: Acts 5:21, where to τό συνέδριον is added καί πᾶσαν τήν γερουσίαν τῶν υἱῶν Ἰσραήλ and indeed (καί explicative) all the senate, to signify the full Sanhedrin. Cf. Schürer, Die Gemeindeverfassung d. Juden in Rom in d. Kaiserzeit nach d. Inschriften dargestellt. Leips. 1879, p. 18f; Hatch, Bamp. Lects. for 1880, p. 64f.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word γέρων (gerōn), meaning "an old man" or "elder."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • זָקֵן (zaqen) • Strong's Hebrew 2205: This Hebrew term means "elder" and is often used in the Old Testament to refer to leaders or senior figures within the community.
• סָב (sab) • Strong's Hebrew 7868: Another term for "elder," emphasizing age and experience, often used in a similar context as γερουσία in the Greek.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term "γερουσία" within its biblical and historical context, highlighting its significance in Jewish governance and religious life.

Usage: The word "gerousia" appears in the New Testament in contexts related to Jewish leadership and governance. It is used to describe a council of elders who hold authority and influence within the community.

Context: The term "γερουσία" (gerousia) is significant in understanding the socio-political and religious structures of ancient Jewish society. In the New Testament, the gerousia is often associated with the Sanhedrin, the supreme council and tribunal of the Jews during the post-exilic period. This body was composed of chief priests, scribes, and elders, who were responsible for religious decisions and legal judgments.

The gerousia played a crucial role in maintaining the traditions and laws of the Jewish people, acting as a stabilizing force within the community. It was a respected institution, and its members were typically chosen for their wisdom, experience, and adherence to the Torah.

In the Berean Standard Bible, the term is used to highlight the authority and influence of the elders within the Jewish community. For example, in the context of Jesus' trial, the gerousia is depicted as part of the group that deliberated on matters of significant religious and legal importance.

The concept of a council of elders is not unique to Judaism; similar structures existed in various ancient cultures, often serving as advisory bodies to kings or rulers. However, in the Jewish context, the gerousia held a unique position as both a religious and legal authority, reflecting the theocratic nature of Jewish governance.

Forms and Transliterations

γερουσία γερουσιαν γερουσίαν γερουσίας gerousian gerousían

Englishman's Concordance

Acts 5:21 N-AFS
GRK: πᾶσαν τὴν γερουσίαν τῶν υἱῶν
NAS: all the Senate of the sons
KJV: all the senate of the children
INT: all the senate of the sons

Strong's Greek 1087
1 Occurrence

γερουσίαν — 1 Occ.