2903. kratistos

Lexical Summary

kratistos: Most excellent, most noble

Original Word: κράτιστος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: kratistos
Pronunciation: KRAH-tis-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (krat'-is-tos)
KJV: most excellent (noble)
NASB: most excellent
Word Origin: [superlative of a derivative of G2904 (κράτος - dominion)]

1. strongest
2. (in dignity) very honorable

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

most excellent, noble.

Superlative of a derivative of kratos; strongest, i.e. (in dignity) very honorable -- most excellent (noble).

see GREEK kratos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
superl. from kratus (strong)
Definition
strongest, noblest
NASB Translation
most excellent (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2903: κράτιστος

κράτιστος, κρατίστη, κράτιστον, superlative of the adjective κρατύς (κράτος) (from (Homer) Pindar down), mightiest, strongest, noblest, most illustrious, best, most excellent: vocative κράτιστε used in addressing men of conspicuous rank or office, Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3; Acts 26:25, (Otto, De ep. ad Diognetum etc. Jena 1845, p. 79ff, and in his Epist. ad Diognet. Leips. edition, p. 53f, has brought together examples from later writings). Perhaps also it served simply to express friendship in Luke 1:3 (as in Theophrastus, char. 5; Dionysius Halicarnassus, de oratt. 1; Josephus, Antiquities 4, 6, 8), because in Acts 1:1 it is omitted in addressing the same person. Cf. Grimm in Jahrbb. f. deutsche Theol. for 1871, p. 50f.

Topical Lexicon

Strong’s Greek 2903 — Kratistos

Scope of the Term in the New Testament

Kratistos appears four times in the Greek canon: Luke 1:3; Acts 23:26; Acts 24:3; Acts 26:25. In every instance it functions as a formal title of respectful address translated “most excellent” in English versions. By its superlative form the word designates one who occupies a position of high rank, honor, or authority, and it signals the speaker’s willing recognition of that status.

Occurrences and Narrative Setting

• Luke 1:3. Luke opens his Gospel by assuring “most excellent Theophilus” of the reliability of his orderly account. The address establishes a tone of courtesy and underscores Luke’s intention to offer a carefully researched testimony suited for a person of standing.
• Acts 23:26. The military commander Claudius Lysias writes, “Claudius Lysias, to His Excellency Governor Felix: Greetings.” Kratistos frames the salutation of an official report, demonstrating Roman administrative protocol.
• Acts 24:3. Tertullus, arguing against Paul, flatters Felix: “In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude.” The title here functions rhetorically, revealing the litigious atmosphere in which Paul must defend the gospel.
• Acts 26:25. Paul responds to Festus, “But Paul answered, ‘I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.’” Paul’s respectful tone models Christian witness before governing authorities even while bearing prophetic correction.

Historical and Cultural Context

Kratistos mirrors the honorific conventions of Greco-Roman society. Roman governors (Felix, Festus) and equestrian officers (Claudius Lysias) commonly received distinguished salutations to affirm their legal authority. By employing this address, Luke’s narrative exhibits historical credibility: Christians interacted within recognizable civic forms rather than creating a separatist jargon.

Theophilus’ designation suggests he held an official or at least a socially eminent status—possibly a benefactor underwriting Luke’s two-volume work. Luke’s usage situates the Gospel’s origins within intelligible public discourse, countering any notion that the faith arose in cultural isolation.

Theological and Practical Significance

1. Respect for Governing Authorities. Each instance shows believers, whether Luke or Paul, granting due honor to civil magistrates. Such deference aligns with the apostolic exhortation, “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority” (1 Peter 2:13).
2. Integrity in Witness. Paul’s respectful “most excellent Festus” frames a defense grounded in “truth and sobriety.” Courtesy and conviction coexist, illustrating that bold gospel proclamation need not abandon civility.
3. Credibility of Scripture. Luke’s precise adoption of contemporary formalities bolsters the historicity of his writings. The evangelist does not mythologize; he records events that unfolded in real political settings involving verifiable officials.
4. Accessibility of the Gospel. By dedicating his Gospel and Acts to an individual of rank, Luke displays the inclusive reach of salvation—penetrating both humble households and high offices. The honorific greeting becomes a subtle testimony that the “gospel … is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16), irrespective of social station.

Application in Ministry Today

• Communicating with Leaders. When addressing public servants, believers can emulate the balanced posture reflected in Kratistos: honoring office bearers without compromising truth.
• Apologetics and Scholarship. Luke’s careful protocol invites contemporary apologists to present the faith with academic rigor and cultural literacy.
• Church Support for Public Servants. Recognizing the legitimate authority God permits, churches may pray for and constructively engage civic leaders, offering respect as modeled by Luke and Paul.

Related Biblical Themes

– Honor (Romans 13:7)

– Submission to Authority (Titus 3:1)

– Speaking the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15)

By preserving the highest courtesy while advancing the uncompromised message of Christ, Kratistos provides a concise yet powerful demonstration of how followers of Jesus can navigate worldly structures with both reverence and resolve.

Forms and Transliterations

κράτιστα κρατίστας κρατιστε κράτιστε κρατίστη κρατίστοις κράτιστον κρατιστω κρατίστω κρατίστῳ kratiste krátiste kratisto kratistō kratístoi kratístōi

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 1:3 Adj-VMS
GRK: σοι γράψαι κράτιστε Θεόφιλε
NAS: [it] out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus;
KJV: in order, most excellent Theophilus,
INT: to you to write most excellent Theophilus

Acts 23:26 Adj-DMS
GRK: Λυσίας τῷ κρατίστῳ ἡγεμόνι Φήλικι
NAS: Lysias, to the most excellent governor
KJV: Lysias unto the most excellent governor
INT: Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix

Acts 24:3 Adj-VMS
GRK: πανταχοῦ ἀποδεχόμεθα κράτιστε Φῆλιξ μετὰ
NAS: and everywhere, most excellent Felix,
KJV: in all places, most noble Felix,
INT: everywhere we gladly accept [it] most excellent Felix with

Acts 26:25 Adj-VMS
GRK: μαίνομαι φησίν κράτιστε Φῆστε ἀλλὰ
NAS: I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus,
KJV: not mad, most noble Festus; but
INT: I am insane says most noble Festus but

Strong's Greek 2903
4 Occurrences

κράτιστε — 3 Occ.
κρατίστῳ — 1 Occ.