Strong's Lexicon gerousia: Council of Elders, Senate Original Word: γερουσία Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word γέρων (gerōn), meaning "elder" or "old man." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent conceptually related to "gerousia" is זָקֵן (zaqen), Strong's Hebrew #2205, which means "elder" or "old man." Usage: The term "gerousia" refers to a council or assembly of elders, often functioning as a governing or advisory body. In the context of the New Testament, it is used to describe a group of Jewish leaders or elders who held authority and influence within the community. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Jewish society, the "gerousia" was a respected assembly of elders who played a significant role in governance and decision-making. This council was akin to a senate and was composed of experienced and wise leaders who were often consulted on matters of law, religion, and community affairs. The concept of a council of elders was not unique to Jewish culture but was also present in Greek and Roman societies, where similar bodies were established to provide leadership and guidance. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gerón Definition a council of elders NASB Translation Senate (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1087: γερουσίαγερουσία, 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.) Strong's Exhaustive Concordance council of elders, SanhedrinFrom geron; the eldership, i.e. (collectively) the Jewish Sanhedrin -- senate. see GREEK geron Forms and Transliterations γερουσία γερουσιαν γερουσίαν γερουσίας gerousian gerousíanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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