from the base of στρατιά and ἄγω or ἡγέομαι; a general, i.e. (by implication or analogy) a (military) governor (prætor), the chief (præfect) of the (Levitical) temple-wardens:--captain, magistrate.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stratēgós**, represented by `{{G4755}}`, refers to a general or governor, and is translated as **captain** or **magistrate**. It appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses**, primarily in Luke and Acts. The term denotes a person holding a significant position of military or civil authority, either within the Jewish temple structure or the Roman administration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4755}}` is used in two distinct contexts. First, it refers to the **captain** of the temple guard in Jerusalem, a high-ranking Levitical official. This **captain** worked alongside the chief priests `{{G749}}` and elders `{{G4245}}`, participating in the opposition to Jesus and the apostles. He communed with Judas on how to betray `{{G3860}}` Jesus [[Luke 22:4]], was present at Jesus' arrest [[Luke 22:52]], and later arrested the apostles ([[Acts 4:1]], [[Acts 5:26]]). Second, the term is used for the civil **magistrates** in the Roman city of Philippi. These officials held the authority to enforce law, ordering Paul and Silas to be beaten `{{G4463}}` and imprisoned after a public uproar [[Acts 16:22]]. They later commanded their release [[Acts 16:35]], but became afraid `{{G5399}}` when they learned they had unlawfully beaten Roman citizens [[Acts 16:38]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the hierarchy and function associated with a **stratēgós**:
* `{{G749}}` **archiereús** (chief priest): This is the high-priest or a chief priest, a figure of supreme religious authority often seen acting in concert with the temple **captain** ([[Luke 22:4]], [[Acts 5:24]]).
* `{{G4465}}` **rhabdoûchos** (serjeant): These officers, or lictors, carried out the direct orders of the **magistrates**, such as delivering messages of release ([[Acts 16:35]], [[Acts 16:38]]).
* `{{G5257}}` **hypērétēs** (officer): These subordinates or assistants accompanied the temple **captain** to carry out arrests, illustrating the chain of command within the temple guard [[Acts 5:26]].
* `{{G1200}}` **desmophýlax** (jailer): This jailer was charged by the **magistrates** to keep Paul and Silas securely and later conveyed the **magistrates'** order of release to them [[Acts 16:36]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G4755}}` carries significant thematic weight, highlighting the conflict between worldly power and divine purpose.
* **Authority in Opposition:** Both the religious **captain** and the secular **magistrates** represent established authorities that stand against the message of the gospel. They use their power to arrest, question, and punish Jesus's followers ([[Acts 4:1]], [[Acts 16:22]]).
* **The Fallibility of Human Power:** The account of the **magistrates** in Philippi reveals the limits and fears of human authority. After acting unjustly, they become afraid `{{G5399}}` when confronted by a higher civic law—the rights of a Roman `{{G4514}}` citizen [[Acts 16:38]].
* **Agents of Persecution:** Figures described as **stratēgós** are instrumental in the passion of Jesus and the persecution of the early church. They conspire with betrayers [[Luke 22:4]] and carry out judgment, sometimes in response to a volatile multitude `{{G3793}}` [[Acts 16:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4755}}` is a specific term for an official holding either religious or civil power. In its scriptural usage, **stratēgós** consistently identifies figures who act as antagonists to the early Christian movement. Whether as a Jewish **captain** guarding the temple or as a Roman **magistrate** governing a city, these individuals embody the worldly systems of power that came into direct conflict with Jesus and his apostles.
TRV