Lexical Summary peitharcheó: To obey, to be persuaded by authority, to follow commands. Original Word: πειθαρχέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to obey authorityFrom a compound of peitho and archo; to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e. (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice -- hearken, obey (magistrates). see GREEK peitho see GREEK archo HELPS Word-studies 3980 peithar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of peithó and archó Definition to obey authority NASB Translation followed...advice (1), obedient (1), obey (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3980: πειθαρχέωπειθαρχέω, πειθάρχω; 1 aorist participle πειθαρχησας; (πείθαρχος; and this from πείθομαι and ἀρχή); to obey (a ruler or a superior): Θεῷ, Acts 5:29, 32; magistrates, Titus 3:1 (others take it here absolutely, to be obedient); τῷ λόγῳ τῆς δικαιοσύνης, Polycarp, ad Philipp. 9, 1 [ET]; (A. V. to hearken to) one advising something, Acts 27:21. (Sophocles, Xenophon, Polybius, Diodorus, Josephus, Plutarch, others; on the very frequent use of the verb by Philo see Siegfried, Philo von Alex. as above with, p. 43 (especially, p. 108).) Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Nuances The verb 3980 (peitharchéō) intertwines two ideas: being persuaded (peithō) and acknowledging rightful rule (archō). It therefore conveys more than simple compliance; it expresses a willing, reasoned submission to legitimate authority. The emphasis rests on intelligent allegiance rather than blind subservience, capturing both heart and mind. Canonical Occurrences and Context Acts 5:29 – When confronted by the Sanhedrin, Peter and the apostles declare, “We must obey God rather than men.” Their use highlights an ultimate appeal to God’s higher authority over any earthly tribunal. Acts 5:32 – The apostles add, “the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him,” linking obedience to the reception of the Spirit and authentic witness. Acts 27:21 – Paul reminds the frightened sailors, “Men, you should have followed my advice,” illustrating the disastrous results of disregarding sound, God–given counsel. Titus 3:1 – Paul instructs Titus to “Remind the believers to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,” showing that civil obedience remains the norm, provided it does not conflict with devotion to God. Obedience to God over Human Authority Acts 5 establishes the priority of divine mandate. The apostles model respectful but resolute disobedience when human command contradicts God’s explicit will. This text forms the classic Christian rationale for civil disobedience: loyalty to God’s kingdom must never be compromised. Civil Obedience and Christian Witness Titus 3:1 balances the previous principle. Under normal circumstances believers are to support societal order. Such conduct silences accusations of sedition and adorns the gospel with credibility, demonstrating that following Christ produces responsible citizens who “are ready for every good work.” Obedience and the Holy Spirit Acts 5:32 pairs obedience with Spirit-empowerment. Genuine submission to God creates the conditions for the Spirit’s indwelling and ongoing ministry. Conversely, resistance to divine authority grieves the Spirit and undermines witness (Ephesians 4:30). Historical and Cultural Background In the first-century Roman world, loyalty to the emperor was expected, yet Christians affirmed an unseen Lord. The four occurrences of peitharchéō reveal how early believers navigated this tension: affirming governmental roles, yet refusing idolatrous demands. Their posture caught the attention of both opponents and seekers, fueling church growth amid persecution. Connection to Old Testament Covenant Obedience Peitharchéō resonates with the Hebrew call to “listen” (shamaʿ) and keep covenant. Just as Israel’s blessings depended on heeding the LORD (Deuteronomy 28), New Testament obedience aligns believers with the new covenant’s blessings—chiefly the gift of the Holy Spirit and fruitful service. Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Teach believers to discern when obedience to human authorities advances God’s purposes and when it compromises faithfulness. Summary Strong’s 3980 depicts obedience that stems from convinced allegiance to rightful rule. Its New Testament usage balances civic responsibility with uncompromising loyalty to God, roots reception of the Holy Spirit in yielded hearts, and offers a timeless template for Christian conduct under any political climate. Forms and Transliterations Πειθαρχειν πειθαρχείν Πειθαρχεῖν πειθαρχησαντας πειθαρχήσαντάς πειθαρχουσιν πειθαρχούσιν πειθαρχοῦσιν Peitharchein Peitharcheîn peitharchesantas peitharchēsantas peitharchḗsantás peitharchousin peitharchoûsinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 5:29 V-PNAGRK: ἀπόστολοι εἶπαν Πειθαρχεῖν δεῖ θεῷ NAS: answered, We must obey God rather KJV: and said, We ought to obey God rather INT: apostles said To obey it is necessary God Acts 5:32 V-PPA-DMP Acts 27:21 V-APA-AMP Titus 3:1 V-PNA Strong's Greek 3980 |
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