Brief Overview of ἀρχισυνάγωγος (G752: archisunágōgos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Archisunágōgos

Root Words:

• ἄρχων (archōn): Ruler, chief, or leader.
• συνάγωγος (synágōgos): Synagogue or assembly leader.

Primary Meanings:

• Chief Ruler of the Synagogue: The term ἀρχισυνάγωγος denotes the chief or principal official of a synagogue, often responsible for overseeing religious services and managing the synagogue’s affairs.
• Synagogue Leader: This individual played a significant role in the administration and spiritual life of the Jewish community, presiding over meetings and ensuring the smooth operation of the synagogue.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀρχισυνάγωγος as:

• Chief Synagogue Leader: A synagogue official of high rank, typically responsible for the leadership and management of synagogue activities and worship services.

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

• Synagogue Ruler: The term refers to a prominent leader or ruler of the synagogue, indicating a position of authority and responsibility within the Jewish community.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes:

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• Chief Leader of the Synagogue: An official title used for a person who holds a significant leadership role in synagogue affairs.

LSJ: LSJ provides similar insights, highlighting ἀρχισυνάγωγος as:

• Chief of the Synagogue: A position of authority and governance in the synagogue, focusing on the administration and spiritual leadership of the community.

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

• Chief Ruler of the Synagogue: Used to describe a person in charge of overseeing the synagogue, including its religious and administrative functions.

Bible Verses:

• Mark 5:22 (KJV): “And, behold, there cometh one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet.”
• Jairus is described as one of the rulers (ἀρχισυνάγωγος) of the synagogue, indicating his high-ranking role.
• Luke 8:41 (KJV): “And, behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue: and he fell down at Jesus’ feet, and besought him that he would come into his house.”
• Jairus, identified as a ruler of the synagogue, approaches Jesus with a request, highlighting the authority and respect associated with the role.
• Acts 13:15 (KJV): “And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.”
• The term rulers (ἀρχισυνάγωγοι) is used here to denote those in charge of the synagogue who had the authority to invite speakers.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews: The role of synagogue leaders, though not always called ἀρχισυνάγωγος, reflects similar responsibilities and authority in managing synagogue affairs.
• Philo’s On the Life of Moses: Philo discusses various leadership roles within the Jewish community, including those akin to the ἀρχισυνάγωγος, highlighting their importance in religious and communal life.
• Plato’s Laws: While not directly using the term, discussions on leadership and governance within community assemblies in Plato’s works provide context for understanding roles similar to that of the ἀρχισυνάγωγος.

4. Summary:

ἀρχισυνάγωγος (G752: archisunágōgos) refers to the chief ruler or leader of a synagogue, responsible for overseeing both the spiritual and administrative aspects of synagogue life. The term reflects a position of considerable authority within the Jewish community, as noted in the New Testament. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and Strong’s all highlight its role as a principal figure in synagogue leadership. In classic Greek literature, similar roles and responsibilities are discussed, providing a broader context for understanding this term.