### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gerousía**, represented by `{{G1087}}`, translates to **senate**. Its base definition is "the eldership, i.e. (collectively) the Jewish Sanhedrin." This specific term is highly focused, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, signifying a particular aspect of the Jewish ruling body.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G1087}}` occurs in the context of the early church's confrontation with the religious authorities in Jerusalem. After the apostles were arrested for preaching, the high priest convened a formal assembly to address the matter. The text states he "called the council together, and all the **senate** of the children of Israel" to have the apostles brought before them from prison [[Acts 5:21]]. Here, "senate" is used alongside "council" to describe the full gathering of the Jewish leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the authoritative context in which `{{G1087}}` is found:
* `{{G4892}}` **synédrion**: This word for **council** refers to "the Jewish Sanhedrin; by analogy, a subordinate tribunal." It is frequently mentioned as the body before which Jesus and the apostles were brought. The chief priests and Pharisees gathered a **council** to decide what to do about Jesus [[John 11:47]], and Paul later stood before the **council** to defend himself [[Acts 23:1]].
* `{{G749}}` **archiereús**: This term means **high priest** or **chief priest**. This figure held the highest religious authority and is shown to be the one who convenes the council and senate [[Acts 5:21]]. Theologically, the title is also applied to Christ, who is described as the "great **high priest**" of the Christian faith [[Hebrews 4:14]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G1087}}` is tied to its role within the Jewish power structure at the time of the early church.
* **Element of the Sanhedrin:** The term **senate** is used in conjunction with **council** `{{G4892}}` to denote the full assembly of the Sanhedrin, the supreme court of ancient Israel. Its presence in [[Acts 5:21]] emphasizes the official and comprehensive nature of the gathering against the apostles.
* **Established Religious Authority:** Summoned by the **high priest** `{{G749}}`, the **senate** represents the established eldership and formal authority of the nation of Israel.
* **Opposition to the Gospel:** In its only biblical appearance, the **senate** is part of the institutional body that opposed and persecuted the apostles. This highlights the conflict between the new Christian faith and the existing religious leadership.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1087}}` is a specific term for the **senate** of Israel, a body of elders forming part of the Sanhedrin. Although it appears only once, its context in [[Acts 5:21]] is crucial. It illustrates the organized, high-level opposition the apostles faced, being called before the combined **council** and **senate** by the **high priest** himself. The word provides a glimpse into the formal structure of the Jewish ruling body during a pivotal moment in the history of the early church.
TRV