Brief Overview of πρεσβῦτις (Strong’s G4247: presbutis)

Strong’s G4247: A feminine noun meaning “elderly woman.” In New Testament usage, particularly in Titus, it describes mature women who model godly behavior and mentor younger women. The term combines age with spiritual maturity, emphasizing the vital role of experienced women in discipling the next generation.

U- Unveiling the Word

πρεσβῦτις represents more than just chronological age; it embodies the concept of mature female wisdom and spiritual mentorship. In its singular New Testament appearance in Titus 2:3, the term occurs within instructions about intergenerational discipleship. The early church recognized these elderly women as essential to the spiritual formation of younger believers, particularly in teaching practical godliness and domestic virtues. Today, this word continues to inspire multigenerational ministry models and highlights the crucial role of experienced women in church life.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρεσβῦτις, presbutis, pres-BOO-tis
• Detailed Pronunciation: pres (as in ‘press’) + BOO (stressed) + tis (as in ‘this’)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• Root: πρέσβυς (presbus) – old, elderly
• Suffix: -τις (-tis) – feminine agent noun ending
• The combination creates a feminine noun meaning “elderly woman”

D – Defining Meanings

• Elderly woman
• Aged female
• Senior woman
• Mature woman

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but uses feminine agent noun suffix to describe the female person characterized by age.

Translation Options:

1. Elderly woman – Best captures both age and gender specificity
2. Mature woman – Emphasizes wisdom aspect
3. Senior lady – Contemporary equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• γραῦς (graus) [grah-oos] – old woman, more colloquial
• πρεσβύτερα (presbutera) [pres-boo-TEH-rah] – female elder, more official
• See G4247

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun:

• Case: Various forms
• Nominative: πρεσβῦτις
• Genitive: πρεσβύτιδος
• Dative: πρεσβύτιδι
• Accusative: πρεσβῦτιν
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Cross-references:

• Male counterpart: πρεσβύτης (elderly man)
• Related adjective: πρεσβύτερος (elder)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its role in spiritual mentorship. Thayer’s notes its connection to dignity and maturity. LSJ provides evidence of respectful usage in classical texts. Vine’s highlights its significance in church teaching ministry. Moulton and Milligan document its use in familial and social contexts in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Older [πρεσβῦτις] women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good.” Titus 2:3

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of πρεσβῦτις in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Euripides: Hecuba	“The [πρεσβῦτις] elderly woman spoke with wisdom born of years.”
Plutarch: Moralia	“The [πρεσβῦτις] aged woman taught the younger ones traditional virtues.”
Sophocles: Electra	“A faithful [πρεσβῦτις] old woman preserved the ancient customs.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρεσβῦτις beautifully illustrates God’s design for multigenerational discipleship in His church. It proclaims the good news that King Jesus values and employs the gifts and wisdom of mature women in building His kingdom. This word challenges our youth-oriented culture by highlighting the essential role of experienced women in passing on both faith and practical godliness to the next generation.

D – Did You Know?

1. Early church communities often designated specific πρεσβύτιδες for mentoring young wives and mothers.
2. The term influenced the development of women’s ministries in early monasticism.
3. Ancient Mediterranean cultures had specific age thresholds for being considered a πρεσβῦτις.

Strong’s G4247: A feminine noun meaning “elderly woman.” In New Testament usage, particularly in Titus, it describes mature women who model godly behavior and mentor younger women. The term combines age with spiritual maturity, emphasizing the vital role of experienced women in discipling the next generation.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: elderly women, mentoring, discipleship, women’s ministry, spiritual formation, generational ministry, wisdom, maturity, teaching, Titus, biblical keywords​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​