βασιλικός
basilikos
royal
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word "βασιλικός" (basilikos) is used five times in the Bible, and its short definition is "royal." This term falls within the semantic domain of Royalty & Authority, indicating its connection to power and government. The word is derived from the root "βασιλεὐς" (basileus), meaning "king," suggesting a close association with monarchical rule. In its five occurrences, "βασιλικός" likely carries the nuance of things or persons related to a king, encompassing concepts like majesty, dignity, or status. Its usage implies a high degree of respect or esteem for someone with royal connections. The scope of its application suggests that this term is not merely indicative of a specific king or ruler, but rather has a more general connotation of nobility and distinction. Given its association with royalty, "βασιλικός" may convey an aura of grandeur or prestige. Its appearance in the biblical text suggests that the writer holds the concept of royal authority in high regard, using it to describe sacred, divine, or supernatural truths that supersede mundane power structures.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.
John 4:49The nobleman said to him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.”
Acts 12:20Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus, the king’s personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food.
Acts 12:21On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them.
James 2:8However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well.