Introduction

Understanding the Greek word ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai) is significant for Biblical studies as it provides insights into the concepts of leadership, authority, and reckoning in both a literal and metaphorical sense. The term is frequently used in the New Testament to convey ideas related to guiding, leading, or considering something in a particular way. It has a broad application that spans across various contexts, from governance to personal judgment, making it a key word for understanding New Testament interpretation and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai), pronounced [hay-GEH-o-mai].
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἡγέμων (hēgemōn), meaning “leader” or “governor,” combined with the verb suffix -ομαι which indicates a middle or passive voice in Greek.
• Part of Speech: Verb; middle voice, deponent verb in the present tense.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To lead: Used in contexts of guiding or being a leader.
• To consider: To think, regard, or suppose something in a particular way.
• To govern: Act of ruling or administering.
• To deem or account: Used in the sense of considering or reckoning something to be true or valuable.

Similar Words: νομίζω (nomizō), pronounced [no-MEE-zo], means “to think” or “to suppose” and is often used in philosophical and judicial contexts where assumptions or beliefs are stated. ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai) differs as it carries a stronger connotation of leading or guiding in a more authoritative or calculated sense. Another related word is δοκέω (dokeō), pronounced [do-KEH-o], meaning “to seem” or “to think,” which suggests a more subjective perspective compared to the deliberative or reasoned connotation of ἡγέομαι.

Further Insights: ἡγέομαι is a deponent verb, meaning it is middle or passive in form but active in meaning. It is primarily used in the present tense to indicate an ongoing state or action. Below is the declension table for the verb ἡγέομαι in the present tense:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἡγέομαι is translated as “to lead” in both a literal and figurative sense. It can mean “to think, consider, regard,” particularly in contexts involving judgment, leadership, or responsibility.

Thayers: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἡγέομαι as “to lead, to go before,” and by extension, “to think, regard, suppose,” emphasizing its use in evaluating or deciding something based on reflection.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains ἡγέομαι as “to lead” or “to consider,” noting its common usage in passages that speak of thinking or deeming something in a reflective or authoritative capacity.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon lists ἡγέομαι as “to lead the way,” or “to guide,” and in a secondary sense, “to consider, regard,” highlighting both its literal and metaphorical usage in classical texts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: ἡγέομαι is marked as a verb meaning “to lead, to consider,” and occurs in various New Testament contexts that involve leadership, guidance, or thoughtful consideration.

Related Scripture References

• Philippians 3:7: “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted [ἡγησάμην] as loss for the sake of Christ.”
• Hebrews 13:7: “Remember those who led [ἡγουμένων] you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.”
• 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count [ἡγοῦνται] slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἡγέομαι (G2233: hēgéomai)

The Greek verb ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai) means “to lead” or “to consider” and is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts throughout the New Testament. Its primary meanings include leading, considering, and deeming, which convey different aspects of authority, thoughtfulness, and decision-making. The word is a deponent verb, meaning it appears in a middle form but carries an active meaning. It appears in various scriptural and classical contexts, where it highlights notions of leadership, guidance, and thoughtful consideration, making it an essential term for understanding early Christian thought and Greek philosophy.

Did You Know?

• ἡγέομαι is often used in the New Testament to describe the actions of leaders who guide or direct others, such as church elders and political figures.
• This verb’s dual meaning—both to lead and to consider—highlights the Greek philosophical emphasis on the importance of thought and wisdom in leadership.
• The word ἡγέομαι has influenced modern English words like “hegemony,” which denotes dominance or leadership by one country or group over others, derived from the same root.