ἡγέομαι
hēgeomai
to govern
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
SupportedThe Greek word ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai) is defined as "to govern." This verb is used 28 times in the Bible, indicating its importance in various contexts. In its most basic sense, ἡγέομαι refers to the act of guiding or directing, often in a position of authority. The range of usage for ἡγέομαι is quite broad, encompassing both human and divine governance. In some instances, it describes human leaders guiding their people, while in others, it speaks of God's sovereignty over the world. This versatility highlights the significance of governance in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of leadership and authority in both human and divine contexts. The frequency and varied usage of ἡγέομαι suggest its importance in the biblical text, underscoring the concept of governance as a fundamental aspect of human and divine relationships.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
28 total occurrences across the text
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come a governor, who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’ ”
Luke 22:26But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.
Acts 7:10and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
Acts 14:12They called Barnabas “Jupiter”, and Paul “Mercury”, because he was the chief speaker.
Acts 15:22Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.
Acts 26:2“I think myself happy, King Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you today concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,
2 Corinthians 9:5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
Philippians 2:3doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
Philippians 2:6who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Philippians 2:25But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,
Philippians 3:7However, I consider those things that were gain to me as a loss for Christ.
Philippians 3:8Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
Philippians 3:8Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
1 Thessalonians 5:13and to respect and honor them in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.
2 Thessalonians 3:15Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
1 Timothy 1:12I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service;
1 Timothy 6:1Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.
Hebrews 10:29How much worse punishment do you think he will be judged worthy of who has trodden under foot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?
Hebrews 11:11By faith, even Sarah herself received power to conceive, and she bore a child when she was past age, since she counted him faithful who had promised.
Hebrews 11:26considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
Hebrews 13:7Remember your leaders, men who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.
Hebrews 13:17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
Hebrews 13:24Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. The Italians greet you.
James 1:2Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations,
2 Peter 1:13I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you,
2 Peter 2:13receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime, spots and defects, reveling in their deceit while they feast with you;
2 Peter 3:9The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but he is patient with us, not wishing that anyone should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:15Regard the patience of our Lord as salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you,