Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical context, the term "prince" is used to denote a person of high rank or authority, often within a royal or noble family. The concept of a prince is woven throughout the Scriptures, appearing in various forms and contexts, from earthly rulers to spiritual beings.Old Testament Usage In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "prince" is "sar" (שַׂר), which can refer to a leader, chief, or ruler. Princes are frequently mentioned as leaders of tribes or regions. For example, in the book of Genesis, Esau is referred to as a prince of Edom (Genesis 36:15). The term is also used to describe the leaders of Israel, as seen in Numbers 1:16: "These were the men appointed from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes. They were the heads of the clans of Israel." The role of a prince in the Old Testament is not limited to political leadership. In the prophetic books, the term can also refer to spiritual leaders or messianic figures. Isaiah 9:6 speaks of the coming Messiah as the "Prince of Peace," a title that signifies His divine authority and role in establishing God's kingdom. New Testament Usage In the New Testament, the Greek word "archon" (ἄρχων) is often translated as "prince" or "ruler." This term is used in various contexts, including references to earthly authorities and spiritual powers. For instance, in John 12:31, Jesus refers to Satan as the "prince of this world," highlighting the spiritual battle between good and evil: "Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out." The New Testament also presents Jesus Christ as the ultimate Prince, emphasizing His divine authority and kingship. Acts 5:31 declares, "God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel." Here, Jesus is portrayed as the exalted Prince who brings salvation and reconciliation. Spiritual and Symbolic Significance The concept of a prince in the Bible often carries a spiritual and symbolic significance. Princes are seen as representatives of authority and governance, both in the earthly and heavenly realms. In Daniel 10:13, the "prince of the Persian kingdom" is mentioned in a spiritual context, referring to a powerful angelic being opposing God's messenger. Moreover, the title of "prince" is frequently associated with the Messiah, who is prophesied to establish an everlasting kingdom. Ezekiel 34:24 speaks of a future time when God will set up "one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them." Role in Eschatology In eschatological passages, the role of a prince often points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom. The book of Revelation describes Jesus as the "Prince of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5), underscoring His supreme authority over all creation and His role in the final establishment of God's reign. Throughout the Bible, the concept of a prince serves as a reminder of the divine order and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Whether referring to earthly rulers, spiritual beings, or the Messiah Himself, the title of prince underscores the authority and leadership ordained by God in both temporal and eternal realms. Easton's Bible Dictionary The title generally applied to the chief men of the state. The "princes of the provinces" (1 Kings 20:14) were the governors or lord-lieutenants of the provinces. So also the "princes" mentioned in Dan. 6:1, 3, 4, 6, 7 were the officers who administered the affairs of the provinces; the "satraps" (as rendered in R.V.). These are also called "lieutenants" (Esther 3:12; 8:9; R.V., "satraps"). The promised Saviour is called by Daniel (9:25) "Messiah the Prince" (Hebrews nagid); compare Acts 3:15; 5:31. The angel Micheal is called (Dan. 12:1) a "prince" (Hebrews sar, whence "Sarah, " the "princes"). Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The one of highest rank; one holding the highest place and authority; a sovereign; a monarch; -- originally applied to either sex, but now rarely applied to a female.2. (n.) The son of a king or emperor, or the issue of a royal family; as, princes of the blood. 3. (n.) A title belonging to persons of high rank, differing in different countries. In England it belongs to dukes, marquises, and earls, but is given to members of the royal family only. In Italy a prince is inferior to a duke as a member of a particular order of nobility; in Spain he is always one of the royal family. 4. (n.) The chief of any body of men; one at the head of a class or profession; one who is preeminent; as, a merchant prince; a prince of players. 5. (v. i.) To play the prince. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PRINCEprins: This word occurs quite frequently in our English Bible, mostly in the Old Testament. While it is never used to denote royal parentage (compare 1 Chronicles 29:24), it often indicates actual royal or ruling power, together with royal dignity and authority. As a rule, the name is given to human beings; in a few instances it is applied to God and Christ, the angels and the devil. Greek 747. archegos -- founder, leader ... archegos Phonetic Spelling: (ar-khay-gos') Short Definition: originator, author, founder Definition: originator, author, founder, prince, leader. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/747.htm - 7k 758. archon -- ruler, chief 2232. hegemon -- a leader, governor 1203. despotes -- lord, master 954. Beelzeboul -- Beelzebul, a name of Satan 5076. tetrarches -- tetrarch. Strong's Hebrew 8269. sar -- chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince... 8268, 8269. sar. 8270 . chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. Transliteration: sar Phonetic Spelling: (sar) Short Definition: princes. ... /hebrew/8269.htm - 6k 5057. nagid -- a leader, ruler, prince 5387a. nasi -- one lifted up, a chief, prince 8323. sarar -- to be or act as prince, rule 5387. nasiy' -- one lifted up, a chief, prince 8339. Sheshbatstsar -- a prince of Judah 8369. Shethar -- a prince of Pers. 152. Adrammelek -- "Adar is prince," an Assyr. idol, also a son of ... 133. Admatha -- a prince of Pers. and Media 8340. Sheshbatstsar -- a prince of Judah Library 'The Prince of Life' The Traitor Prince. The Prince of Life Hosanna to the Prince of Grace; The Prince of the Kings of the Earth The Prince of Peace. Allusion to Prince Le Boo And as Prince Satan and Hades were Thus Speaking to Each Other in ... The Prince that Shall Come The Prince of Peace. Thesaurus Prince (160 Occurrences)... The promised Saviour is called by Daniel (9:25) "Messiah the Prince" (Hebrews nagid); compare Acts 3:15; 5:31. The angel Micheal is called (Dan. ... /p/prince.htm - 53k Prince's (4 Occurrences) Rosh (5 Occurrences) Princess (2 Occurrences) Eliasaph (6 Occurrences) Encamp (108 Occurrences) Michael (16 Occurrences) Elizaphan (4 Occurrences) Elishama (17 Occurrences) Encamping (24 Occurrences) Resources Who is the prince of Persia in Daniel 10? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the prince in Ezekiel 46? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)? | GotQuestions.org Prince: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Prince (160 Occurrences)Matthew 2:6 Matthew 9:34 Matthew 12:24 Mark 3:22 Luke 11:15 John 12:31 John 14:30 John 16:11 Acts 3:15 Acts 5:31 Ephesians 2:2 Hebrews 2:10 Hebrews 12:2 Revelation 1:5 Genesis 23:6 Genesis 32:28 Genesis 34:2 Genesis 49:6 Genesis 49:26 Exodus 2:14 Exodus 22:28 Leviticus 4:22 Numbers 2:3 Numbers 2:5 Numbers 2:7 Numbers 2:10 Numbers 2:12 Numbers 2:14 Numbers 2:18 Numbers 2:20 Numbers 2:22 Numbers 2:25 Numbers 2:27 Numbers 2:29 Numbers 3:24 Numbers 3:30 Numbers 3:32 Numbers 3:35 Numbers 7:11 Numbers 7:18 Numbers 7:24 Numbers 7:30 Numbers 7:36 Numbers 7:42 Numbers 7:48 Numbers 7:54 Numbers 7:60 Numbers 7:66 Numbers 7:72 Numbers 7:78 Numbers 13:2 Numbers 16:13 Numbers 17:6 Numbers 25:14 Numbers 25:18 Numbers 34:18 Numbers 34:22 Numbers 34:23 Numbers 34:24 Numbers 34:25 Numbers 34:26 Numbers 34:27 Numbers 34:28 Deuteronomy 33:16 Joshua 5:14 Joshua 5:15 Joshua 22:14 Judges 8:18 Judges 9:22 Judges 9:30 1 Samuel 9:16 1 Samuel 10:1 1 Samuel 13:14 1 Samuel 25:30 2 Samuel 3:38 2 Samuel 5:2 2 Samuel 6:21 2 Samuel 7:8 1 Kings 1:35 1 Kings 11:34 1 Kings 14:7 1 Kings 16:2 2 Kings 20:5 1 Chronicles 2:10 1 Chronicles 5:2 1 Chronicles 5:6 1 Chronicles 11:2 1 Chronicles 11:6 1 Chronicles 12:27 1 Chronicles 13:1 1 Chronicles 17:7 1 Chronicles 27:8 1 Chronicles 27:16 1 Chronicles 28:4 1 Chronicles 29:22 2 Chronicles 1:2 2 Chronicles 6:5 2 Chronicles 11:22 2 Chronicles 19:11 Ezra 1:8 Subtopics Related Terms |