Lexical Summary hégemoneuó: To govern, to rule, to be a leader Original Word: ἡγεμονεύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance be governor. From hegemon; to act as ruler -- be governor. see GREEK hegemon NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hégemón Definition to command NASB Translation governor (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2230: ἡγεμονεύωἡγεμονεύω; (ἡγεμών); (from Homer down); a. to be leader, to lead the way. b. to rule, command: with the genitive of a province (cf. Buttmann, 169 (147)), to be governor of a province, said of a proconsul, Luke 2:2; of a procurator, Luke 3:1. The verb ἡγεμονεύω conveys the activity of exercising governmental authority on behalf of a superior power. In Scripture it describes an official who administers a territory under Rome’s imperial system. Although brief in its New Testament appearances, the term colors Luke’s narrative with a precise political backdrop, affirming that the gospel events unfolded within verifiable history. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 2:2: “This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governing Syria.” Both are participial uses, functioning as temporal markers that situate the birth and public appearance of Jesus Christ within the framework of Roman administration. Historical Setting • Quirinius, a seasoned Roman military leader, was appointed legate of Syria around 6–7 A.D. Luke’s reference to his governorship helps establish the historical reality of the census that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem. Luke’s use of ἡγεμονεύω underscores his concern for chronological accuracy, inviting readers to test the gospel’s claims against known Roman records. Theological Significance 1. God’s sovereignty over world empires: The mention of governors reveals that the incarnation and redemptive mission of Christ occur under God’s providential control of political events (Proverbs 21:1, Daniel 2:21). Ministry Applications • Respect and prayer for governing authorities (Romans 13:1, 1 Timothy 2:1–2) flow naturally from recognizing that God directs history through them, as in the census of Luke 2:2. Related Concepts in Scripture • βασιλεύω (“to reign”)—divine kingship (Revelation 11:15). Patristic Reflections Early writers such as Tertullian (Apology, 21) and Eusebius (Ecclesiastical History, 1.5) highlighted Luke’s references to Quirinius and Pilate to argue for the credibility of the gospel accounts before Roman audiences, leveraging the term ἡγεμονεύω to demonstrate chronological alignment with secular annals. Summary ἡγεμονεύω, though appearing only twice, plays a strategic role in Luke’s historiography, confirming that Jesus’ birth and ministry were anchored in recognizable Roman governance. Its presence assures believers of God’s orchestration of political spheres to accomplish redemptive purposes and challenges the Church to live faithfully under any earthly administration, confident that Christ’s unshakable kingdom continues to advance. Englishman's Concordance Luke 2:2 V-PPA-GMSGRK: πρώτη ἐγένετο ἡγεμονεύοντος τῆς Συρίας NAS: while Quirinius was governor of Syria. KJV: when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) INT: first took place when was governor of Syria Luke 3:1 V-PPA-GMS |
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