4243. presbeuó

Lexicon

presbeuó: To be an ambassador, to act as a representative

Original Word: πρεσβεύω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: presbeuó
Pronunciation: pres-byoo'-o
Phonetic Spelling: (pres-byoo'-o)
Definition: To be an ambassador, to act as a representative
Meaning: I am aged, act as an ambassador.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

be an ambassador.

From the base of presbuteros; to be a senior, i.e. (by implication) act as a representative (figuratively, preacher) -- be an ambassador.

see GREEK presbuteros

HELPS Word-studies

4243 presbeúō (a verb derived from presbys, "an older, venerated person") – properly, to be elderly or mature, "to be the elder, to take precedence and hence act as an ambassador" (A-S).

4243 /presbeúō ("act as an ambassador") means to act as an established statesman (diplomat) – a trusted, respected ambassador who is authorized to speak as God's emissary (represent His kingdom).

This term is used in the ancient phrase, "I am on embassy to the Emperor, I am an ambassador" (Souter) – i.e. as someone respected as trustworthy (loyal, knowledgeable), especially in the opinion of those they know (belong to).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from the same as presbuteros
Definition
to be the elder, to take precedence
NASB Translation
am an ambassador (1), ambassadors (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4243: πρεσβεύω

πρεσβεύω; (πρέσβυς an old man, an elder (Curtius, p. 479; Vanicek, p. 186));

1. to be older, prior by birth or in age ((Sophocles), Herodotus and following).

2. to be an ambassador, act as an ambassador: 2 Corinthians 5:20; Ephesians 6:20, ((Herodotus 5, 93 at the beginning), Aristophanes, Xenophon, Plato, and following).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word πρέσβυς (presbus), meaning "elder" or "ambassador."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of an ambassador or envoy is also present in the Hebrew Scriptures, though not directly linked to a single Hebrew word equivalent to πρεσβεύω. However, related Hebrew terms include:
• Strong's Hebrew 6735: צִיר (tsir) • meaning "ambassador" or "envoy."
• Strong's Hebrew 4397: מַלְאָךְ (malak) • meaning "messenger" or "angel," often used in the context of someone sent with a message or task.

These Hebrew terms reflect similar roles of representation and message-bearing, aligning with the New Testament understanding of πρεσβεύω as a divinely appointed ambassador.

Usage: The term is used in the New Testament to describe the role of an ambassador or representative, particularly in the context of conveying the message of the Gospel.

Context: The Greek term πρεσβεύω (presbeuō) is primarily used in the New Testament to describe the role of an ambassador or representative, particularly in the context of spreading the Christian message. This term is found in passages where the apostles and early Christians are described as ambassadors for Christ, tasked with the mission of reconciling people to God through the message of the Gospel.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." Here, πρεσβεύω is used to emphasize the responsibility and authority given to believers to represent Christ and His message to the world.

Similarly, in Ephesians 6:20, Paul refers to himself as an ambassador in chains, highlighting both the honor and the challenges associated with this role: "For which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should."

The concept of being an ambassador for Christ underscores the importance of living a life that reflects the values and teachings of Jesus, as well as the responsibility to communicate the Gospel effectively and faithfully. This role involves both the privilege of representing the divine message and the duty to do so with integrity and courage.

Forms and Transliterations

πρεσβευομεν πρεσβεύομεν πρεσβευω πρεσβεύω presbeuo presbeuō presbeúo presbeúō presbeuomen presbeúomen

Englishman's Concordance

2 Corinthians 5:20 V-PIA-1P
GRK: Χριστοῦ οὖν πρεσβεύομεν ὡς τοῦ
NAS: Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ,
KJV: Now then we are ambassadors for
INT: Christ therefore we are ambassadors as it were

Ephesians 6:20 V-PIA-1S
GRK: ὑπὲρ οὗ πρεσβεύω ἐν ἁλύσει
NAS: for which I am an ambassador in chains;
KJV: For which I am an ambassador in bonds:
INT: for which I am an ambassador in a chain

Strong's Greek 4243
2 Occurrences

πρεσβεύω — 1 Occ.
πρεσβεύομεν — 1 Occ.