Lexical Summary presbeia: Embassy, Ambassadorship, Message, Entreaty Original Word: πρεσβεία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance an ambassadorFrom presbeuo; seniority (eldership), i.e. (by implication) an embassy (concretely, ambassadors) -- ambassage, message. see GREEK presbeuo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom presbeuó Definition age, seniority NASB Translation delegation (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4242: πρεσβείαπρεσβεία, πρεσβειας, ἡ (πρεσβεύω); 1. age, dignity, right of the first born: Aeschylus Pers. 4; Plato, de rep. 6, p. 509 b.; Pausanias, 3, 1, 4; 3, 3, 8. 2. the business usually to be entrusted to elders, specifically, the office of an ambassador, an embassy (Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato); abstract for the concrete, an ambassage, i. e. ambassadors, Luke 14:32; Luke 19:14. The noun πρεσβεία appears twice in the New Testament, both in Luke. In the parable of the warring kings, “while the other is still far away, he sends a delegation to ask for terms of peace” (Luke 14:32). In the parable of the minas, recalcitrant subjects “sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us’ ” (Luke 19:14). In each setting the word denotes an official body of representatives empowered to negotiate on behalf of a larger group. Historical Background In the Greco-Roman world an embassy was a recognized diplomatic instrument. Cities dispatched presbeiai to the Roman Senate or to regional rulers to secure favors, redress grievances, or sue for peace. Such delegations carried written petitions, bore gifts, and spoke with the full authority of their senders. Failure of an embassy could precipitate war or political reprisal; success could bring security, favor, or autonomy. Luke’s audience would immediately grasp the gravity of the image: the stakes in any negotiation between kings or between subjects and their rightful sovereign are life-and-death matters. Theological Significance 1. Urgency of Reconciliation. Luke 14:32 highlights the wisdom of seeking peace before conflict becomes inevitable. Spiritually, the lesson presses sinners to reconcile with God while “He is still far away,” echoing Isaiah 55:6. Relation to Apostolic Teaching on Ambassadorship Though πρεσβεία itself is confined to Luke, its verbal cognate presbeuō frames the Apostle Paul’s view of Christian mission: “Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20). Just as earthly embassies carried the full weight of their king, believers carry the message of reconciliation and are accountable for its faithful delivery (Ephesians 6:20). Luke’s pictorial use lays the narrative groundwork for the didactic emphasis that follows in the Epistles. Old Testament Parallels • Jacob sent messengers ahead to Esau seeking favor (Genesis 32:3-5). These episodes illustrate the long-standing biblical pattern of mediation between parties in conflict, culminating in the ultimate Mediator, Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5). Practical Applications 1. Peacemaking: Churches are called to act as godly embassies, initiating reconciliation in interpersonal, social, and international spheres (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18). Contemporary Ministry Implications Mission agencies, diplomatic chaplaincies, and local congregations alike function as embassies of heaven. Their credibility hinges on integrity, humility, and loyalty to the King they serve. Spiritual diplomacy involves prayerful intercession, culturally sensitive communication, and unwavering fidelity to the gospel message. Summary πρεσβεία in Luke provides a vivid metaphor of negotiated relationship with authority. The concept deepens the call to seek peace with God and to act as His authorized envoys, warning against rebellion and urging timely reconciliation before the King appears in power and glory. Englishman's Concordance Luke 14:32 N-AFSGRK: πόρρω ὄντος πρεσβείαν ἀποστείλας ἐρωτᾷ NAS: he sends a delegation and asks KJV: he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth INT: far off being an embassy having sent he asks Luke 19:14 N-AFS |
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