Brief Overview of Βουλευτής (G1010: Bouleutḗs)

Transliteration and Meaning:
The Greek word βουλευτής (transliterated as Bouleutḗs) is a noun that generally means “councilor” or “member of a council.” The term is derived from the Greek root word βουλή (boulē), which means “counsel,” “deliberation,” or “advice.” A βουλευτής specifically refers to someone who participates in a deliberative assembly or council, playing a significant role in making decisions or providing advice in a formal context, such as a city council or the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council in Jerusalem.

Lexical Insights and Biblical Usage:
According to various lexicons, including BDAG, Thayer’s, and Strong’s exhaustive concordance, βουλευτής is consistently defined as a “councilor” or “member of a deliberative body.” BDAG highlights the specific context in which this term was used, particularly in reference to someone who was part of a governing body that had the authority to make legal or administrative decisions. Thayer’s lexicon adds that the term can be used more generally for any member of a council or assembly, but it often carries connotations of authority and responsibility.

In the New Testament, the word βουλευτής is used specifically in the context of Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin who is described as a βουλευτής in Mark 15:43 and Luke 23:50. Joseph of Arimathea is noted for his role in requesting the body of Jesus from Pilate after the crucifixion, which he then placed in his own tomb. His position as a βουλευτής implies that he was a respected and influential figure within the Jewish community, with the authority to make such a significant request.

Classical Greek Usage:
In classical Greek literature, the term βουλευτής was commonly used to refer to members of a βουλή, or council, which was a key element of governance in ancient Greek city-states. For example, in the works of historians like Herodotus and Thucydides, βουλευτής is used to describe individuals who participated in the decision-making processes of their city-states, particularly in the context of war, peace, and political strategy.

One example can be found in Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War, where βουλευτής refers to the council members who deliberated on the course of the war and made crucial decisions that affected the entire state. Similarly, in the writings of Aristotle, particularly in his work Politics, βουλευτής is used to describe members of the ruling councils who had significant influence over the political and legal affairs of the city.

Another notable mention is in Xenophon’s Anabasis, where the term is used to describe the councilors who provided strategic advice to military leaders during campaigns. These examples highlight the term’s association with authority, governance, and the exercise of power in both political and military contexts.

Summary:
The Greek word βουλευτής (Bouleutḗs) is a term deeply rooted in the political and legal structures of ancient Greek society, specifically referring to a “councilor” or “member of a council.” Lexical sources such as BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize its use in formal assemblies where important decisions were made. In the New Testament, it is notably used to describe Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, underscoring the term’s connotations of authority and influence. In classical Greek literature, βουλευτής is frequently associated with governance and the strategic deliberations that shaped the policies of city-states and military campaigns. The term encapsulates the role of those who, through counsel and advice, shaped the course of history in both religious and secular spheres.