δυνάστης
dunastēs
ruler
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word δυνάστης (dunastēs) is a noun that translates to "ruler." It is part of the semantic domain of Law & Justice, indicating its connection to authority and governance. The word occurs three times in the Bible, suggesting a relatively limited but focused usage. As a ruler, dunastēs implies a position of power and control, often associated with governance, leadership, or sovereignty. Its definition is straightforward, without any connotations of morality or value judgment. The frequency of its occurrence in the Bible is low, which may indicate that the concept of rulership is not a central theme in the text. The significance of dunastēs lies in its representation of authority and governance in the biblical context. Its limited but focused usage suggests that the concept of rulership is important in specific contexts, such as the exercise of power or the relationship between leaders and their subjects.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences across the text
He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.
Acts 8:27He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.
1 Timothy 6:15which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.