Brief Overview of ἀρχιτρίκλινος (G755: architriklinos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Architriklinos

Root Words:

• ἄρχων (archōn): Ruler, chief, or leader.
• τρίκλινος (triklīnos): A term referring to a dining arrangement with three couches or a triclinium (a type of banquet room).

Primary Meanings:

• Chief of the Dining Room: The term ἀρχιτρίκλινος refers to the chief or principal steward of a dining room or banquet hall, particularly in a setting with a triclinium.
• Head of Banquet Arrangements: It denotes someone responsible for overseeing and managing dining arrangements and etiquette during a banquet or feast.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀρχιτρίκλινος as:

• Chief Steward of the Dining Room: An official or steward who has authority over the dining arrangements and management of a banquet, especially in settings featuring a triclinium.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀρχιτρίκλινος as:

• Chief Steward: This term indicates a person in charge of the dining area, responsible for overseeing the arrangements and order of the banquet.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes:

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• Head of the Dining Room: A position responsible for supervising the dining arrangements and ensuring the smooth conduct of the banquet.

LSJ: LSJ provides a similar definition:

• Principal of the Triclinium: Refers to the leader or chief steward in a dining room, particularly in a triclinium setup.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἀρχιτρίκλινος as:

• Chief of the Dining Room: A senior official managing the dining arrangements in a banquet setting.

Bible Verses:

• Luke 14:8 (KJV): “When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him.”
• Although ἀρχιτρίκλινος is not used in this verse, it gives context to the social dynamics of banquets where such a role would be significant.
• Luke 14:12 (KJV): “Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.”
• This verse reflects the cultural context where the role of a chief steward in banquets would be relevant.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristophanes’ Clouds: This play includes references to dining arrangements and banquets, providing context to the role of officials like the ἀρχιτρίκλινος in managing such events.
• Plato’s Symposium: In this work, the organization and management of banquets are discussed, highlighting the importance of roles similar to the ἀρχιτρίκλινος in arranging and supervising such gatherings.
• Xenophon’s Oeconomicus: Discusses domestic management, including dining arrangements, which gives insight into the functions and responsibilities of dining stewards akin to the ἀρχιτρίκλινος.

4. Summary:

ἀρχιτρίκλινος (G755: architriklinos) refers to the chief steward or principal official responsible for overseeing the dining arrangements in a banquet setting, especially in a triclinium. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and Strong’s all agree on its role as a head steward managing the dining area. Classic Greek literature provides additional context to the importance of such a role in organizing and supervising banquets and dining events.