Brief Overview of ἄρχω (G757: archō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Archō

Root Words:

• ἄρχω (archō): To begin or to rule. Derived from the root ἀρχή (archē), meaning “beginning” or “rule.”

Primary Meanings:

• To Rule: ἄρχω is often used to indicate having authority or exercising dominion over others.
• To Begin: It can also denote the act of starting or initiating something.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄρχω as:

• To Rule: To have authority over or to govern, typically used in a political or organizational context.
• To Begin: Less commonly, it can signify the initiation of an action or process.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄρχω as:

• To Rule: To be a ruler or to preside over, particularly in a governmental or leadership role.
• To Begin: It may also be used to express the start of something.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary states:

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• To Rule: Emphasizes the exercise of authority or leadership.
• To Begin: Highlights the initiation of actions or events.

LSJ: LSJ gives:

• To Rule: Focuses on authority and governance.
• To Begin: Refers to starting an action or process.

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

• To Rule: Indicates dominion or leadership.
• To Begin: Denotes the act of starting.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 2:6 (KJV): “And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor that shall rule my people Israel.”
• ἄρχω is used here to indicate the role of ruling or governing.
• Luke 22:25 (KJV): “And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.”
• This verse uses ἄρχω to discuss the exercise of authority or rule.
• John 19:15 (KJV): “But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.”
• In this context, ἄρχω relates to the idea of kingship and authority.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato’s Laws: Uses ἄρχω to describe the role of rulers and the concept of governance.
• Aristotle’s Politics: Employs the term to discuss the nature of ruling and authority within political systems.
• Herodotus’ Histories: Applies ἄρχω in the context of leadership and the rule of various historical figures.

4. Summary:

ἄρχω (G757: archō) primarily means “to rule” or “to govern,” indicating authority and leadership. It can also mean “to begin,” referring to the initiation of actions or processes. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and Strong’s all confirm the primary meaning of ruling, with some acknowledgment of the term’s use to indicate starting. Classic Greek literature demonstrates its application in political and leadership contexts, illustrating its significance in both governance and the initiation of actions.