from πρεσβεύω; seniority (eldership), i.e. (by implication) an embassy (concretely, ambassadors):--ambassage, message.
Transliteration:presbeía
Pronunciation:pres-bi'-ah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πρεσβεία (presbeía, `{{G4242}}`) is derived from the verb πρεσβεύω (presbeuō, `{{G4243}}`), which means "to be an elder" or "to be an ambassador." At its root, πρεσβεία carries the primary sense of "seniority" or "eldership," reflecting a position of age, authority, or respect. However, in its New Testament usage, this meaning extends by implication to denote an "embassy," "legation," or "delegation." It refers to a group of envoys or the official mission they undertake, often involving a specific message or negotiation. Thus, the semantic range encompasses the act of being an official representative and the body of persons sent with a specific commission.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πρεσβεία (presbeía, `{{G4242}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, both within the Gospel of Luke, illustrating distinct yet related functions of a delegation:
* **[[Luke 14:32]]**: "And if not, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation (πρεσβεία) and asks for terms of peace." In this parable, Jesus describes a king contemplating war. If the king realizes he is outmatched, he dispatches a πρεσβεία (delegation/embassy) to negotiate terms of peace. Here, the word signifies an official group sent to initiate diplomatic communication, specifically for reconciliation and to avoid conflict. It highlights the strategic and purposeful nature of such a mission.
* **[[Luke 19:14]]**: "But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation (πρεσβεία) after him, saying, ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’" In the Parable of the Minas (or Talents), the citizens of a nobleman send a πρεσβεία (delegation/embassy) to express their explicit rejection of his rule. This instance demonstrates a delegation sent not for peace, but for formal opposition and a declaration of rebellion.
In both contexts, πρεσβεία denotes an official group commissioned with a weighty purpose, representing one party to another. The nature of the message carried by the πρεσβεία is crucial, whether it be for peace or for protest.
### Related Words & Concepts
The conceptual family of πρεσβεία (presbeía, `{{G4242}}`) is rich and significant:
* **πρεσβεύω (presbeuō, `{{G4243}}`)**: The verb from which πρεσβεία is derived, meaning "to be an elder" or, more pertinent to this study, "to be an ambassador." This verb is used in two key passages to describe the role of believers:
* [[2 Corinthians 5:20]]: "Therefore, we are ambassadors (πρεσβεύομεν) for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
* [[Ephesians 6:20]]: "for which I am an ambassador (πρεσβεύω) in chains, that I may speak boldly in it, as I ought to speak."
* **πρέσβυς (presbys, `{{G4245}}`)**: The foundational root, meaning "an old man" or "an elder," emphasizing the dignity and authority often associated with age and experience.
* **πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros, `{{G4244}}`)**: "Elder" or "older," commonly used for church leaders (presbyters), connecting to the idea of spiritual seniority and leadership.
* **ἀπόστολος (apostolos, `{{G652}}`)**: "Apostle," meaning "one sent forth." While πρεσβεία refers to the mission or delegation, ἀπόστολος refers to the person commissioned. Both terms convey the idea of being officially dispatched with authority.
* **Concepts**: Diplomacy, representation, mediation, official communication, delegated authority, and commissioned service are all closely related to the semantic field of πρεσβεία.
### Theological Significance
While πρεσβεία (presbeía, `{{G4242}}`) itself has limited direct occurrences, its theological weight is immensely amplified by the related verb πρεσβεύω (presbeuō, `{{G4243}}`), particularly in the Pauline epistles.
* **The Christian as an Ambassador**: The most profound theological implication arises from [[2 Corinthians 5:20]], where believers are declared "ambassadors for Christ." This elevates the Christian's mission to a divine πρεσβεία. As Christ's representatives, believers are entrusted with the message of reconciliation, acting on behalf of God to entreat humanity to be reconciled to Him. This role implies:
* **Delegated Authority**: Ambassadors do not speak on their own authority but on behalf of the one who sent them. Christians speak with Christ's authority, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
* **Specific Message**: The message of the Christian πρεσβεία is the gospel—the good news of salvation and reconciliation through Christ.
* **Urgency and Gravity**: The mission is critical, dealing with matters of eternal consequence, echoing the gravity of the peace or war negotiations in Luke.
* **Christ as the Ultimate Ambassador**: Although not explicitly called a πρεσβεία, Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of God's embassy to humanity. He is the perfect representative, sent by the Father to reveal His character, declare His will, and accomplish reconciliation ([[John 3:17]], [[John 5:30]]).
* **Divine Initiative and Human Response**: The two uses of πρεσβεία in Luke illustrate potential human responses to an official delegation: seeking peace or outright rejection. The theological parallel is clear: God sends His "ambassadors" (Christ, then believers) with a message of peace and reconciliation, and humanity is faced with the choice to accept or reject this divine initiative.
### Summary
πρεσβεία (presbeía, `{{G4242}}`) refers to an "embassy" or "delegation," signifying an official mission or message carried by representatives. Rooted in the concept of "seniority" and "authority," it denotes a formal commission. In the New Testament, it appears in Luke's Gospel to describe delegations sent for diplomatic negotiation (peace) or formal opposition (rejection of rule). While the noun's direct occurrences are few, its theological significance is profoundly expanded by the related verb πρεσβεύω (presbeuō, `{{G4243}}`), which designates believers as "ambassadors for Christ." This high calling underscores the Christian's sacred duty to represent God to the world, delivering the message of reconciliation with divine authority and purpose, mirroring the ultimate divine embassy of Christ Himself. The word thus encapsulates the profound nature of authoritative representation and the crucial, life-altering messages exchanged between God and humanity.
TRV