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G4173 (πολιτάρχης)

Summary

Quick facts

Strong’s Number: G4173
Original Word: πολιτάρχης
Transliteration: politárchēs
Pronunciation: pol-it-ar'-khace
Part of Speech: noun
Category: Bible Names > Bible Occupations & Titles, Unique Words
Root / Etymology: from G4172 (πόλις) and G757 (ἄρχω);
Frequency: 2×
Gematria: 1399

Where it appears

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Definition

Strong 1890 a town-officer, i.e. magistrate

ruler of the city

from G4172 (πόλις) and G757 (ἄρχω);

Commentary

Contributors:

Strong's G4173: A compound noun meaning "city ruler" or "magistrate," specifically referring to civil authorities in Macedonian cities. The term combines "city" (polis) and "ruler" (archōn), describing officials who maintained civic order and administered justice in cities like Thessalonica.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολιτάρχης represents a specific type of civil authority in Macedonian cities during the New Testament period. As a compound word combining "city" and "ruler," it accurately describes local government officials who maintained order and administered justice. Its appearance in Acts demonstrates Luke's historical accuracy in describing local governance structures. The early church recognized these officials as legitimate civil authorities to whom Christians owed appropriate respect while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Christ.

N - Necessary Information

Greek Word: πολιτάρχης, politarchēs, /pol-it-ar'-khace/
Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + it (syllable) + ar (syllable) + khace (final syllable)
Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

Component 1: πόλις (polis) - "city"
Component 2: ἄρχω (archō) - "to rule"
Function: Creates a compound noun indicating a city ruler

D - Defining Meanings

City ruler
City magistrate
Municipal authority
Civil governor

For compound words:
πόλις provides the sphere of authority (city), while ἄρχω indicates the function of ruling/governing

Translation Options:

City magistrate - Best captures official role
City ruler - Emphasizes authority aspect
Municipal official - Highlights civic function

E - Exploring Similar Words

ἄρχων (archōn) /ar'-khone/ - refers to a ruler in general - See G758
στρατηγός (stratēgos) /strat-ay-gos'/ - refers to a military commander - See G4755
ἡγεμών (hēgemōn) /hayg-em-ohn'/ - refers to a governor - See G2232

R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology

Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
Number: Singular, Plural
Gender: Masculine
Declension: 1st declension

Examples:
Singular:

Nominative: πολιτάρχης
Genitive: πολιτάρχου
Dative: πολιτάρχῃ
Accusative: πολιτάρχην

S - Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific Macedonian context. Thayer's notes its administrative function. LSJ traces its usage in civic contexts. Vine's highlights its historical accuracy. Strong's connects it to civil authority. Moulton and Milligan document its confirmation in inscriptions.

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T - Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 17:6: "And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities [πολιτάρχας], crying out, 'These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.'"

Additional References:
Acts 17:8

A - Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Inscription at Thessalonica	"In the time of the city ruler [πολιτάρχης] Sosipater"
Macedonian decree	"By order of the magistrates [πολιτάρχης] of the city"
Municipal record	"The city rulers [πολιτάρχης] administered justice"

N - Noteworthy Summary

Πολιτάρχης demonstrates how the gospel encountered and interacted with civic authorities, reminding us that the message of Jesus Christ impacts all levels of society. It proclaims the good news that while we respect earthly authorities, our ultimate citizenship and allegiance belong to Christ's kingdom.

D - Did You Know?

Archaeological inscriptions confirm Luke's accurate use of this title
The term appears only in Acts and specifically in Macedonia
It provides important evidence for the historical reliability of Acts

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: magistrate, city ruler, civil authority, Macedonian government, Thessalonica, Acts, civic leadership, municipal authority, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, historical accuracy, archaeology

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