Political Power: τετραάρχης (Strong’s G5076: tetraarches) Confronts Divine Authority

Strong’s G5076: A compound noun meaning “tetrarch” or “ruler of a fourth part,” derived from τετρα- (four) and ἄρχης (ruler). Used in the Gospels to identify regional rulers during Jesus’ ministry, particularly Herod Antipas, highlighting the tension between earthly and divine authority.

U- Unveiling the Word

τετραάρχης represents more than just a political title in the New Testament; it embodies the intersection of earthly power with divine authority. This compound word, literally meaning “ruler of a fourth,” originally designated governors who ruled a quarter of a province but evolved to describe any subordinate ruler in the Roman system. In the Gospels, it particularly identifies Herod Antipas, whose interactions with John the Baptist and Jesus highlight the conflict between worldly and spiritual authority. The early church saw in this term a reminder that earthly powers are subordinate to God’s authority. Today, it continues to challenge believers to recognize the true King above all earthly rulers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τετραάρχης, tetraarches, /te-tra-AR-khes/
• Detailed pronunciation: teh-trah-AR-khehs (emphasis on AR)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• τετρα- (tetra-) – prefix meaning “four”
• ἄρχης (arches) – from ἄρχω (archō), meaning “ruler”
• -ης (-es) – nominal suffix indicating agency

D – Defining Meanings

• Ruler of a fourth part
• Tetrarch (subordinate ruler)
• Provincial governor

For compound words:
τετρα- (tetra-) establishes the division into four, while ἄρχης (arches) indicates rulership, creating a term for a ruler of a fourth part of a territory.

Translation Options:

• “Tetrarch” – Traditional and technical term
• “Quarter-ruler” – Literal translation of components
• “Provincial governor” – Functional equivalent in modern terms

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μονάρχης (monarches) /mo-NAR-khes/ – sole ruler or monarch. See G3454
• ἐθνάρχης (ethnarches) /eth-NAR-khes/ – ruler of a nation or people. See G1480
• ἄρχων (archōn) /AR-khon/ – ruler or chief. See G758

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a Noun:

• Case: Nominative/Genitive/Dative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First

Examples of case forms:

• Nominative: τετραάρχης (the tetrarch)
• Genitive: τετραάρχου (of the tetrarch)
• Dative: τετραάρχῃ (to/for the tetrarch)
• Accusative: τετραάρχην (the tetrarch as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes τετραάρχης’s evolution from its literal meaning to a general term for subordinate rulers in the Roman system. Thayer’s notes its particular application to the Herodian dynasty. LSJ traces its development from Hellenistic political terminology. Vine’s highlights its significance in Gospel narratives involving Herod Antipas. Strong’s details its compound structure and historical usage. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its administrative use in papyri. The synthesis shows how this term precisely identified a specific level of Roman provincial administration while carrying implications about the relationship between political and divine authority.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“At that time Herod the [tetrarch] [τετραάρχης] heard of the fame of Jesus,” Matthew 14:1

Additional References:
Luke 3:1
Luke 3:19
Luke 9:7
Acts 13:1

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τετραάρχης appears at crucial moments in the Gospels, particularly in narratives involving conflict between earthly and divine authority. The term reminds us that even powerful rulers like Herod Antipas are ultimately subordinate to King Jesus. This word proclaims the good news that while earthly rulers may exercise temporary authority, true and lasting power belongs to the Messiah. It challenges believers to recognize that all earthly authority must ultimately bow before the King of kings.

D – Did You Know?

1. The title evolved from meaning ruler of a fourth to any subordinate ruler in the Roman system.
2. Herod Antipas was the most prominent tetrarch mentioned in the New Testament.
3. The position typically included military command and tax collection authority.

Strong’s G5076: A compound noun meaning “tetrarch” or “ruler of a fourth part,” derived from τετρα- (four) and ἄρχης (ruler). Used in the Gospels to identify regional rulers during Jesus’ ministry, particularly Herod Antipas, highlighting the tension between earthly and divine authority.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: government, authority, politics, Herod, Roman Empire, rulers, power, administration, provinces, governance, leadership, kingdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​