Lexical Summary archón: Ruler, leader, prince, magistrate Original Word: ἄρχων Strong's Exhaustive Concordance chief ruler, magistrate, prince Present participle of archo; a first (in rank or power) -- chief (ruler), magistrate, prince, ruler. see GREEK archo HELPS Word-studies 758 árxōn (from 757 /árxō, "rule, take precedence") – properly, a preeminent ruler (chief); a commander with authority (influence) over people in a particular jurisdiction. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originpres. part. of archó Definition ruler, chief NASB Translation authorities (1), leaders (1), magistrate (1), official (2), official's (1), prince (1), ruler (1), ruler (13), rulers (16). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 758: ἄρχωνἄρχων, ἄρχοντος, ὁ (present participle of the verb ἄρχω) (from Aeschylus down), a ruler, commander, chief, leader: used of Jesus, ἄρχων τῶν βασιλέων τῆς γῆς, Revelation 1:5; of the rulers of nations, Matthew 20:25; Acts 4:26; Acts 7:35; universally, of magistrates, Romans 13:3; Acts 23:5; especially judges, Luke 12:58; Acts 7:27, 35 (where note the antithesis: whom they refused as ἄρχοντα καί δικαστήν, him God sent as ἄρχοντα — leader, ruler — καί λύτρῳ — τήν); Acts 16:19. οἱ ἄρχοντες τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου those who in the present age (see αἰών, 3) by nobility of birth, learning and wisdom, power and authority, wield the greatest influence, whether among Jews or Gentles, 1 Corinthians 2:6, 8; cf. Neander at the passage, p. 62ff Of the members of the Jewish Sanhedrin: Luke 23:13, 35; Luke 24:20; John 3:1; John 7:26, 48; John 12:42; Acts 3:17; Acts 4:5, 8; Acts 13:27; Acts 14:5. of the officers presiding over synagogues: Matthew 9:18, 23; Luke 8:41 (ἄρχων τῆς συναγωγῆς, cf. Mark 5:22 ἀρχισυνάγωγος), and perhaps also Luke 18:18; ἄρχων τῶν Φαρισαίων, one who has great influence among the Pharisees, Luke 14:1. of the devil, the prince of evil spirits: (ὁ) ἄρχων τῶν δαιμονίων, Matthew 9:34; Matthew 12:24; Mark 3:22; Luke 11:15; ὁ ἄρχων τοῦ κόσμου, the ruler of the irreligious mass of mankind, John 12:31; John 14:30; John 16:11 (in rabbinical writings הָעולָה שַׂר; ἄρχων τοῦ αἰῶνος τούτου, Ignatius, ad Eph. 19, 1 [ET] (ad Magn. 1, 3 [ET]); ἄρχων τοῦ καιροῦ τῆς ἀνομίας, the Epistle of Barnabas 18, 2 [ET]); τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ ἀέρος, Ephesians 2:2 (see ἀήρ). (See Hort in Dict. of Chris. Biog., under the word Archon.) Topical Lexicon Overview of the ConceptThe Greek noun 758 most frequently denotes a person invested with recognized authority—whether civic, religious, or spiritual—and therefore entrusted with real power to govern. New Testament writers employ the word group to describe synagogue rulers, members of the Sanhedrin, local magistrates, Roman officials, Satan himself, and, supremely, Jesus Christ. The range of usage underscores Scripture’s unified testimony that all delegated authority is accountable to the sovereign God who “removes kings and establishes them” and who will ultimately judge every ruler by righteous standards. Earthly Authorities in the Gospels and Acts 1. Local Jewish Leaders Synagogue rulers such as Jairus (Luke 8:41) held responsibility for order and worship. Their willingness—or unwillingness—to bow before Jesus becomes a barometer of faith. Jairus humbly “fell at Jesus’ feet,” whereas other rulers feared losing influence (John 7:48; 12:42). 2. The Sanhedrin and Chief Priests In Passion narratives “the rulers” (Luke 23:35; 24:20) signify the religious establishment that rejected Messiah. Peter later acknowledges their ignorance: “Now brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your rulers” (Acts 3:17). Even so, ignorance did not absolve guilt (Acts 4:26-27; 13:27). 3. Roman and Civic Officials The plural appears for magistrates at Philippi who unjustly beat Paul and Silas (Acts 16:19). Luke 12:58 pictures a litigant being led to “the magistrate,” highlighting everyday judicial structures in Greco-Roman society. 4. Power and Servanthood Jesus contrasts Gentile models of domination with kingdom leadership: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them” (Matthew 20:25). True greatness, He teaches, is measured by service, foreshadowing apostolic practice in Acts. The Prince of This World John’s Gospel uniquely applies 758 to Satan, thrice naming him “the ruler of this world” (John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11). Each occurrence frames impending victory: • John 12:31 – His expulsion is declared as the cross approaches. Paul echoes the idea: believers once walked “according to the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). Thus the term unites cosmic and terrestrial authority, reminding readers that behind human opposition lurks a darker spiritual adversary already defeated in Christ. Pauline Theology of the Powers 1 Corinthians 2:6-8 identifies “the rulers of this age” who crucified the Lord. Whether understood as demonically energized authorities or the combined Jewish-Roman leadership, the point remains: worldly wisdom cannot comprehend God’s redemptive plan. The cross exposes the limits of fallen power and inaugurates a new order where “the weapons of our warfare” are spiritual. Jesus Christ, Supreme Ruler Revelation 1:5 crowns the theme: Jesus is “the ruler of the kings of the earth.” The title consummates Old Testament promise (Psalm 2; Isaiah 9:6-7) and redefines all lesser rule. Whereas Satan is temporarily styled “prince,” Christ is eternally installed as the rightful Sovereign. His blood-bought people participate in a kingdom that will outlast every human administration. Authority and the Christian Citizen Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17 assume that governmental authority, however imperfect, is ordained by God for the restraint of evil. “Rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad” (Romans 13:3). Submission is not absolute—Acts 5:29 mandates obedience to God over men—but faithful witness normally includes respect, prayer, and lawful compliance. Ministry before Rulers The Book of Acts records multiple gospel opportunities before authorities: • Stephen’s speech to “our fathers and the magistrates” (Acts 7:35). These encounters illustrate Jesus’ promise: “You will be brought before governors and kings… as a testimony to them” (Matthew 10:18). Far from hindering mission, courtrooms became pulpits. Practical Implications for Believers • Pray for those in high office (1 Timothy 2:1-2); salvation and wisdom remain God’s gracious gifts. Selected References Matthew 9:18; Matthew 20:25; Luke 8:41; Luke 12:58; Luke 23:13, 35; John 3:1; John 12:31; Acts 4:5, 26; Acts 16:19; Romans 13:3; 1 Corinthians 2:6-8; Ephesians 2:2; Revelation 1:5. Forms and Transliterations αρχοντα άρχοντα ἄρχοντα αρχοντας αρχοντάς άρχοντας ἄρχοντας αρχοντες άρχοντες άρχοντές ἄρχοντες αρχοντι άρχοντι ἄρχοντι αρχοντος άρχοντος άρχοντός ἄρχοντος αρχοντων αρχόντων ἀρχόντων άρχουσι αρχουσιν άρχουσιν ἄρχουσιν αρχων άρχων ἄρχων archon archōn árchon árchōn archonta árchonta archontas árchontas archontes árchontes archonti árchonti archonton archontōn archónton archóntōn archontos árchontos archousin árchousinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:18 N-NMSGRK: αὐτοῖς ἰδοὺ ἄρχων εἷς ἐλθὼν NAS: these things to them, a [synagogue] official came KJV: a certain ruler, and worshipped INT: to them behold a ruler certain having come Matthew 9:23 N-GMS Matthew 9:34 N-DMS Matthew 12:24 N-DMS Matthew 20:25 N-NMP Mark 3:22 N-DMS Luke 8:41 N-NMS Luke 11:15 N-DMS Luke 12:58 N-AMS Luke 14:1 N-GMP Luke 18:18 N-NMS Luke 23:13 N-AMP Luke 23:35 N-NMP Luke 24:20 N-NMP John 3:1 N-NMS John 7:26 N-NMP John 7:48 N-GMP John 12:31 N-NMS John 12:42 N-GMP John 14:30 N-NMS John 16:11 N-NMS Acts 3:17 N-NMP Acts 4:5 N-AMP Acts 4:8 N-VMP Acts 4:26 N-NMP Strong's Greek 758 |
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