Strong's Greek: 3282 -- (Not Used)zzz

Lexical Summary

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)

Topical Lexicon

Root Concept

Strong’s Greek 3282 belongs to the presb- word-family that centers on the idea of seniority resulting in delegated representation. In classical and Hellenistic usage the root described an older, respected person who was sent as an envoy or spokesman for a ruler or city-state. From this foundation grew the related verbs, nouns, and adjectives that do appear in the New Testament (for example, presbeuō in 2 Corinthians 5:20; presbeia in Luke 14:32; presbyteros in 1 Timothy 5:17). Although 3282 itself is not used in the Greek New Testament, it supplies the underlying notion of authoritative representation that threads through Scripture.

Septuagint Background

The Septuagint frequently employs the cognate family when translating Hebrew terms for “elders” and for “messengers” or “envoys.” Examples include:
• Genesis 50:7 where Joseph’s “elders” accompany him to bury Jacob.
• 2 Samuel 14:2-3 where Joab instructs a woman to “pretend to be in mourning” and act as an envoy before King David.
• Proverbs 22:7 where the concept of seniority conveys authority in financial dealings.

This Old Testament background forms the cultural matrix into which New Testament writers speak of ambassadors and church elders.

New Testament Connections

1. Ambassadorial Ministry – “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Here presbeuō portrays believers as royal delegates proclaiming reconciliation.
2. Bold Witness under Chains – Paul asks prayer “that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak” while he is “an ambassador in chains” (Ephesians 6:20). The picture is of a chained envoy whose authority rests not in circumstance but in the sending King.
3. Diplomatic Negotiation – Jesus’ parable of the king marching to war includes the phrase “he will send a delegation” (Luke 14:32), drawing on presbeia to illustrate prudent surrender before overwhelming power, a spiritual lesson on counting the cost of discipleship.
4. Church Government – The elder (presbyteros) who rules well is worthy of honor (1 Timothy 5:17); Titus is to appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5). The semantic bridge from civil envoy to church oversight underscores that stewardship in the body of Christ is representative, not self-derived.

Theology of Delegated Authority

Because God is sovereign King, any human authority is necessarily derived and accountable. The presb- family highlights:
• Representation – An envoy speaks the sender’s words, not his own (Jeremiah 1:7; John 12:49).
• Maturity – Age was a cultural marker of wisdom; in redemptive history, spiritual maturity now qualifies believers to serve as ambassadors regardless of biological age (1 Timothy 4:12).
• Reconciliation – The Father “was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:19), and He entrusts that same message to His envoys.

Christological Focus

Jesus Himself is the perfect Envoy: “As the Father has sent Me, so also I am sending you” (John 20:21). Every derivative use of the presb- concept ultimately reflects His mission. The incarnate Son embodies mature wisdom (Colossians 2:3) and speaks only what He hears from the Father (John 8:26), providing the model for all subsequent ambassadors.

Historical Reception

Early church writings (e.g., Ignatius, Polycarp) carry forward the language of elders and ambassadors, emphasizing fidelity to apostolic teaching. During the patristic period the term presbyteros becomes a formal office title, while the ambassador motif fuels missionary expansion in later centuries.

Pastoral and Missional Application

• Faithful representation – Elders and every believer are charged to preserve the purity of the gospel message (Galatians 1:8-9).
• Prayer-supported boldness – Paul’s request in Ephesians 6:19-20 shows that effective ambassadorship depends on intercession.
• Gospel diplomacy – Wise engagement with culture mirrors the king who sends a delegation in Luke 14:32: humility and foresight pursue peace without compromising truth.
• Life-long growth – Because seniority in Christ is measured by maturity, continual discipleship prepares believers for trustworthy representation.

Summary

Although Strong’s Greek 3282 itself does not occur in the New Testament text, its concept permeates biblical revelation. From patriarchal elders to apostolic ambassadors, God advances His redemptive purpose through mature, authorized messengers. The church today inherits this calling, standing in Christ’s place to urge the world, “Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts