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.
Transliteration:stratēgós
Pronunciation:strat-ay-gos'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G4755}}` (stratēgós) is a compound word derived from `{{G4756}}` (stratiá), meaning "army" or "host," and either `{{G71}}` (agō) or `{{G2233}}` (hēgeomai), both signifying "to lead" or "to command." Thus, its core meaning is "one who leads an army," a "general," or "commander."
From this military root, the semantic range of `{{G4755}}` expands to encompass various forms of high-level authority and leadership. By implication or analogy, it can refer to:
1. A military governor or a praetor: A Roman magistrate holding significant civil, judicial, and often military authority within a province or colony.
2. The chief or prefect of temple-wardens: Specifically in the context of the Jerusalem Temple, this refers to the head of the Temple Guard, a powerful Jewish official responsible for order and security within the sacred precincts.
Therefore, `{{G4755}}` denotes a person in a position of substantial command, whether in military, civil, or religious spheres, always implying considerable power and responsibility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4755}}` appears nine times in the New Testament, exclusively within the book of Acts, illustrating its two distinct applications:
1. **The Captain of the Temple (Jewish Authority):**
* In [[Acts 4:1]], [[Acts 5:24]], and [[Acts 5:26]], `{{G4755}}` refers to the "captain of the temple" (ὁ στρατηγὸς τοῦ ἱεροῦ). This official was the head of the Jewish Temple Guard, a body of Levites responsible for maintaining order, security, and ceremonial purity within the Temple complex. He was a high-ranking figure within the Jewish hierarchy, subordinate only to the High Priest. In these passages, the Temple Captain, along with the priests and Sadducees, arrests Peter and John for preaching about Jesus' resurrection, demonstrating the opposition of the religious establishment to the nascent Christian movement. Their actions highlight the judicial and enforcement power vested in this office within the Jewish system.
2. **Roman Magistrates in Philippi (Roman Authority):**
* In [[Acts 16:20]], [[Acts 16:22]], [[Acts 16:35]], [[Acts 16:36]], and [[Acts 16:38]], `{{G4755}}` is translated as "magistrates" and refers to the Roman civil authorities in Philippi, a Roman colony. These officials were likely the *duumviri* or *praetors* (a term often used interchangeably with *stratēgós* in Greek-speaking Roman cities), who held supreme executive and judicial power in the colony. They are depicted ordering the public flogging and imprisonment of Paul and Silas without proper trial, demonstrating the arbitrary exercise of Roman power. However, when Paul asserts his Roman citizenship in [[Acts 16:37-38]], these same magistrates are filled with fear and are compelled to release them respectfully, illustrating the legal protections afforded by Roman citizenship and the limits of even high-ranking Roman authority.
The dual usage of `{{G4755}}` in Acts provides a vivid picture of the diverse forms of human authority—both Jewish religious and Roman civil—that the early church encountered and often clashed with in its mission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of `{{G4755}}` connect it directly to military and leadership terms:
* `{{G4756}}` (stratiá): "army," "host," "military service."
* `{{G71}}` (agō): "to lead," "to bring."
* `{{G2233}}` (hēgeomai): "to lead," "to command," "to govern."
Other related Greek terms that denote leadership, authority, or military roles include:
* `{{G4757}}` (stratiōtēs): "soldier," directly related to the military aspect.
* `{{G2232}}` (hēgemōn): "governor," "ruler," often used for Roman provincial governors (e.g., Pilate).
* `{{G758}}` (archōn): "ruler," "chief," a broader term for those in authority.
* `{{G1849}}` (exousia): "authority," "power," the abstract concept often wielded by a `{{G4755}}`.
Conceptually, `{{G4755}}` is associated with law enforcement, judicial power, maintaining order, and the exercise of executive authority within a defined sphere, whether religious or civil.
### Theological Significance
The encounters with the `{{G4755}}` figures in Acts carry significant theological weight for the early church and for believers today:
1. **Conflict with Established Authority:** The apostles' interactions with both the Temple Captain and the Roman magistrates highlight the inherent tension between the radical, Spirit-empowered message of the Gospel and the established human powers of their day. The `{{G4755}}` figures represent the resistance of both religious tradition and imperial rule to the new Way of Christ.
2. **Divine Sovereignty over Human Power:** Despite the formidable authority wielded by these `{{G4755}}` officials, the narrative consistently demonstrates God's ultimate sovereignty. Whether through miraculous releases from prison ([[Acts 5:19]]) or the humbling of proud magistrates ([[Acts 16:39]]), God's plan for the spread of the Gospel prevails over human attempts to suppress it. This reinforces the biblical truth that "there is no authority except from God" ([[Romans 13:1]]).
3. **Apostolic Courage and Witness:** The apostles, when confronted by these powerful figures, respond with remarkable courage and steadfastness, consistently choosing to "obey God rather than men" ([[Acts 5:29]]). Their willingness to suffer at the hands of the `{{G4755}}` officials serves as a powerful testimony to their faith and the truth of their message, fulfilling Jesus' prophecy that they would be brought before rulers for His name's sake ([[Matthew 10:18]]).
4. **The Nature of Earthly Government:** The portrayal of `{{G4755}}` figures in Acts also offers insights into the nature of earthly government. While capable of injustice and persecution, human authorities are part of God's design, and believers are called to respect them, even when challenging their unrighteous commands.
### Summary
The Greek term `{{G4755}}` (stratēgós) signifies a leader of significant authority, originally a "general" or "commander." In the New Testament, particularly in the book of Acts, its usage diverges into two primary contexts: the "captain of the Temple" in Jerusalem, a powerful Jewish religious and security official, and Roman "magistrates" or praetors in a Roman colony like Philippi, who held civil, judicial, and executive power. These `{{G4755}}` figures represent the established human authorities—both Jewish and Roman—that the early Christian movement encountered and often faced opposition from. Their interactions with the apostles underscore the tension between divine truth and human governance, the sovereignty of God over all earthly powers, and the unwavering courage of the early believers in proclaiming the Gospel despite persecution. The term thus highlights the diverse forms of leadership and control in the biblical world and their profound interaction with the nascent church.
TRV