ἀρχισυνάγωγος
archisunagōgos
synagogue leader
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀρχισυνάγωγος (archisunagōgos) refers to a leader of a synagogue. This title is found in the New Testament, where it occurs nine times. The word is composed of two parts: ἀρχι- (archi-), meaning "chief" or "principal," and συνάγωγος (sunagōgos), meaning "one who gathers" or "synagogue leader." The significance of this word lies in its connection to the Jewish community and the role of synagogue leaders in ancient Jewish society. These leaders were likely responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the synagogue, including worship services, teaching, and community activities. The use of this title in the New Testament highlights the importance of the synagogue in the lives of early Christians, who often met in synagogues before establishing their own communities.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences across the text
Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing him, he fell at his feet,
Mark 5:35While he was still speaking, people came from the synagogue ruler’s house saying, “Your daughter is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?”
Mark 5:36But Jesus, when he heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”
Mark 5:38He came to the synagogue ruler’s house, and he saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing.
Luke 13:14The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, “There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!”
Luke 8:49While he still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue’s house came, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Don’t trouble the Teacher.”
Acts 13:15After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.”
Acts 18:8Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.
Acts 18:17Then all the Greeks seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. Gallio didn’t care about any of these things.