βουλευτής
bouleutēs
member of a council
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word βουλευτής (bouleutēs) is a Greek term that refers to a member of a council. This definition suggests that the word is related to collective decision-making and governance. The language of councils implies a group of advisors or officials who deliberate and make decisions together. Given its occurrence in the Bible only twice, βουλευτής is not a commonly used word in the New Testament. However, its limited usage may imply a significance that is specific to particular contexts or themes. The related semantic domain of "Light & Darkness" could be interpreted as a contrast between the guidance and judgment provided by a council in darkness (ignorance or misunderstanding) versus light (understanding and clarity). In summary, the meaning of βουλευτής is closely tied to membership in a council and the process of collective decision-making. Its limited usage and unique semantic domain suggest that the concept of a council in the New Testament may have a specific significance or application that is tied to themes of guidance, judgment, and moral direction.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text