Lexical Summary archó: to rule, to begin Original Word: ἄρχω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reign, rule over. A primary verb; to be first (in political rank or power) -- reign (rule) over. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to rule, to begin NASB Translation began (62), begin (7), beginning (8), begins (2), begun (1), proceed (1), rule (1), rulers (1), starting (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 757: αρχι(αρχι( (from ἄρχω, ἀρχός), an inseparable prefix, usually to names of office or dignity, to designate the one who is placed over the rest that hold the office (German Ober-,Erz- (English arch- (chief-, high))), as ἀρχάγγελος, ἀρχιποίμην (which see), ἀρχιερεύς, ἀρχιατρος, ἀρχιευνοῦχος, ἀρχυπερετης (in Egyptian inscriptions), etc., most of which belong to Alexandrian and Byzantine Greek. Cf. Thiersch, De Pentateuehi versione Alex., p. 77f. STRONGS NT 757: ἄρχωἄρχω; (from Homer down); to be first. 1. to be the first to do (anything), to begin — a sense not found in the Greek Bible. 2. to be chief, leader, ruler: τίνος (Buttmann, 169 (147)), Mark 10:42; Romans 15:12 (from Isaiah 11:10). See ἄρχων. Middle, present ἄρχομαι; future ἄρξομαι (once (twice), Luke 13:26 (but not Tr marginal reading WH marginal reading; a. the idea of beginning has more or less weight or importance, so that it is brought out by a separate word: Matthew 11:7 (the disciples of John having retired, Christ began to speak concerning John, which he did not do while they were present); Luke 3:8 (do not even begin to say; make not even an attempt to excuse yourselves); Luke 15:14 (the beginning of want followed hard upon the squandering of his goods); Luke 21:28; 2 Corinthians 3:1; especially when the beginning of an action is contrasted with its continuance or its repetition, Mark 6:7; Mark 8:31 (cf. Mark 9:31; Mark 10:33f); or with the end of it, Luke 14:30 (opposed to ἐκτελέσαι); John 13:5 (cf. 12). b. ἄρχειν denotes something as begun by someone, others following: Acts 27:35f (Winers Grammar, § 65, 7 d.). c. ἄρχειν indicates that a thing was but just begun when it was interrupted by something else: Matthew 12:1 (they had begun to pluck ears of grain, but they were prevented from continuing by the interference of the Pharisees); Matthew 26:22 (Jesus answered before all had finished), Matthew 26:74; Mark 2:23; Mark 4:1 (he had scarcely begun to teach, when a multitude gathered unto him); Mark 6:2; Mark 10:41; Luke 5:21; Luke 12:45; Luke 13:25; Acts 11:15 (cf. Acts 10:44); d. the action itself, instead of its beginning, might indeed have been mentioned; but in order that the more attention may be given to occurrences which seem to the writer to be of special importance, their initial stage, their beginning, is expressly pointed out: Mark 14:65; Luke 14:18; Acts 2:4, etc. e. ἄρχω occurs in a sentence which has grown out of the blending of two statements: Matthew 4:17; Matthew 16:21 (from ἀπό τότε ἐκήρυξε ... ἔδειξέ, and τότε ἤρξατο κηρύσσειν ... δεικνύειν). The infinitive is lacking when discoverable from the context: ἀρχόμενος, namely, to discharge the Messianic office, Luke 3:23 (Winer's Grammar, 349 (328)); ἀρξάμενος namely, λέγειν, Acts 11:4. (Compare: ἐνάρχω (ἐνάρχομαι), προενάρχομαι, ὑπάρχω, προϋπάρχω. The verb behind Strong’s Greek number 757 gathers two ideas that Scripture consistently interweaves: being first in order and exercising legitimate authority. Whether describing the inauguration of a new era or the act of ruling, it portrays leadership as a stewardship answerable to God. Occurrences in the New Testament • Mark 10:42 – in Jesus’ corrective lesson on power and greatness. Though rare, both settings are doctrinal hinge points that shape a biblical theology of authority. Servant Leadership (Mark 10:42) “You know that those regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them.” (Mark 10:42) The verb exposes a system where status is exploited. Jesus counters in Mark 10:43-45, redefining greatness through service and His own sacrificial death. Thus all Christian leadership—family, civic, or ecclesial—must be cruciform, not self-exalting. Messianic Kingship (Romans 15:12) “And again, Isaiah says: ‘The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope.’” (Romans 15:12) Here the word crowns the prophetic vision of a Davidic ruler whose reign welcomes the nations. The scope is global, the character righteous, and the result hope for every ethnicity. The verse integrates the covenant with David (2 Samuel 7), the Servant Songs (Isaiah 42; 49), and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). Old Testament Foundations From Adam’s mandate to “have dominion” (Genesis 1:28) to the promised scepter that “shall not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10), leadership is framed as divinely entrusted dominion. The Septuagint often employs cognate arch- terms for tribal heads, judges, and kings, preparing readers to recognize Jesus as the ultimate Arch-on. Historical-Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, authority flowed top-down—emperors, governors, patrons, and patriarchs. Jesus’ teaching that “the greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11) overturned prevailing norms without discarding authority itself; it relocated its center in humble obedience to God. Theological Trajectories 1. Sovereignty: All rightful rule derives from God (Psalm 22:28). Ministry Application • Leadership begins with submission to Christ’s lordship. Related Terms and Themes archon (758): a ruler; arche (746): a beginning; basileuo (936): to reign; hegemon (2232): governor; doulos (1401): servant—the necessary posture of every true leader. Key Takeaways • The One who rules (Romans 15:12) is the One who serves (Mark 10:45). Englishman's Concordance Mark 10:42 V-PNAGRK: οἱ δοκοῦντες ἄρχειν τῶν ἐθνῶν NAS: who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles KJV: they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles INT: those who are accounted to rule over the Gentiles Romans 15:12 V-PNA |
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