Brief Overview of ἀρχηγός (G747: archēgós)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: archēgós

Root Words:

• ἀρχή (archē): Beginning, rule, or principle.
• ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai): To lead or guide.

Primary Meanings:

• Leader or Chief: Someone who leads or holds a position of authority.
• Originator or Pioneer: A person who initiates or originates something.
• Captain or Guide: Someone who directs or guides others, often in a leadership capacity.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀρχηγός as:

• Leader or Chief: A person who holds a leading or chief position, often implying authority or guidance.
• Originator or Pioneer: Someone who starts or initiates a movement or idea.

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

• Leader: The one who leads or commands.
• Originator: A person who is the source or initiator of something.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀρχηγός refers to:

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• Leader: A chief or head, someone in a position of leadership.
• Originator: One who begins or pioneers something.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides the following:

• Leader or Chief: A person in charge or leading others.
• Originator: Someone who is the source or initiator of an action or idea.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀρχηγός as “chief leader” or “originator,” reflecting its use in leadership and pioneering contexts.

Bible Verses:

• Hebrews 2:10 (KJV): “For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
• Here, ἀρχηγός is translated as “captain,” referring to Jesus as the leader or pioneer of salvation.
• Acts 3:15 (KJV): “And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.”
• ἀρχηγός is translated as “Prince,” indicating a leading or authoritative figure.
• Acts 5:31 (KJV): “Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.”
• ἀρχηγός is used again to describe Jesus as a “Prince” or leader.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρχηγός is used to denote leadership and pioneering roles:

• Herodotus’ Histories: The term ἀρχηγός is used to describe leaders or chiefs of various tribes and cities.
• Plato’s Laws: Plato uses ἀρχηγός to refer to individuals who lead or guide in various capacities within society.
• Aristotle’s Politics: The term appears in discussions about leadership and governance, highlighting those who take charge or initiate political reforms.

4. Summary:

ἀρχηγός (G747: archēgós) means “leader,” “chief,” or “originator.” It signifies someone who leads, guides, or pioneers in various contexts. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all provide consistent definitions emphasizing leadership and initiation. In classical Greek literature, ἀρχηγός is used to describe figures of authority and leadership.