Difference between revisions of "Old"
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== Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words <ref name="term_78603" /> == | |||
<p> ''''' | <div> '''A — 1: '''''Ἀρχαῖος''''' ''' (Strong'S #744 — Adjective — archaios — ar-khah'-yos ) </div> <p> "original, ancient" (from arche, "a beginning:" Eng., "archaic," "archaeology," etc.), is used (a) of persons belonging to a former age, "(to) them of old time," Matthew 5:21,33 , RV; in some mss. ver. 27; the RV rendering is right; not ancient teachers are in view; what was said to them of old time was "to be both recognized in its significance and estimated in its temporary limitations, Christ intending His words to be regarded not as an abrogation, but a deepening and fulfilling" (Cremer); of prophets, Luke 9:8,19; (b) of time long gone by, Acts 15:21; (c) of days gone by in a person's experience, Acts 15:7 , "a good while ago," lit., "from old (days)," i.e., from the first days onward in the sense of originality, not age; (d) of Mnason, "an early disciple," Acts 21:16 , RV, not referring to age, but to his being one of the first who had accepted the [[Gospel]] from the beginning of its proclamation; (e) of things which are "old" in relation to the new, earlier things in contrast to things present, 2—Corinthians 5:17 , i.e., of what characterized and conditioned the time previous to conversion in a believer's experience, RV, "they are become new," i.e., they have taken on a new complexion and are viewed in an entirely different way; (f) of the world (i.e., the inhabitants of the world) just previous to the Flood, 2—Peter 2:5; (g) of the Devil, as "that old serpent," Revelation 12:9; 20:2 , "old," not in age, but as characterized for a long period by the evils indicated. </p> <div> '''A — 2: '''''Παλαιός''''' ''' (Strong'S #3820 — Adjective — palaios — pal-ah-yos' ) </div> <p> akin to C, No. 1 (Eng., "paleontology," etc.), "of what is of long duration, old in years," etc., a garment, wine (in contrast to neos; see NEW), Matthew 9:16,17; Mark 2:21,22 (twice); Luke 5:36,37,39 (twice); of the treasures of [[Divine]] truth, Matthew 13:52 (compared with kainos: see NEW); of what belongs to the past, e.g., the believer's former self before his conversion, his "old man," "old" because it has been superseded by that which is new, Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22 (in contrast to kainos); Colossians 3:9 (in contrast to neos); of the covenant in connection with the Law, 2—Corinthians 3:14; of leaven, metaphorical of moral evil, 1—Corinthians 5:7,8 (in contrast to neos); of that which was given long ago and remains in force, an "old" commandment, 1—John 2:7 (twice), that which was familiar and well known in contrast to that which is fresh (kainos). </p> Revelation 12:9 20:2 <div> '''A — 3: '''''Πρεσβύτερος''''' ''' (Strong'S #4245 — Adjective — presbuteros — pres-boo'-ter-os ) </div> <p> "olde, elder," is used in the plural, as a noun, in Acts 2:17 , "old men." See Elder. </p> <div> '''B — 1: '''''Γέρων''''' ''' (Strong'S #1088 — Noun Masculine — geron — gher'-own ) </div> <p> denotes "an old man" (from the same root comes Eng., "gray"), John 3:4 . </p> <div> '''B — 2: '''''Πρεσβύτης''''' ''' (Strong'S #4246 — Noun Masculine — presbutes — pres-boo'-tace ) </div> <p> "an old man," Luke 1:18 , is translated "aged" in Titus 2:2; Philemon 1:9 (for this, however, see the RV marg.). See Aged. </p> <div> '''B — 3: '''''Γῆρας''''' ''' (Strong'S #1094 — Noun Neuter — geras — ghay'-ras ) </div> <p> "old age," occurs in Luke 1:36 . </p> <div> '''C — 1: '''''Πάλαι''''' ''' (Strong'S #3819 — Adverb — palai — pal'-ahee ) </div> <p> denotes "long ago, of old," Hebrews 1:1 , RV, "of old time" (AV, "in time past"); in Jude 1:4 , "of old;" it is used as an adjective in 2—Peter 1:9 , "(his) old (sins)," lit., "his sins of old." See While. </p> <div> '''C — 2: '''''Ἔκπαλαι''''' ''' (Strong'S #1597 — Adverb — ekpalai — ek'-pal-ahee ) </div> <p> "from of old, for a long time" (ek, "from," and No. 1), occurs in 2—Peter 2:3 , RV, "from of old" (AV, "of a long time"); 2—Peter 3:5 . See Long , B, Note (2). </p> 1—Peter 3:5 2—Peter 1:21 <div> '''D — 1: '''''Παλαιόω''''' ''' (Strong'S #3822 — Verb — palaioo — pal-ah-yo'-o ) </div> <p> akin to A, No. 2, denotes, in the Active Voice, "to make or declare old," Hebrews 8:13 (1st part); in the Passive Voice, "to become old," of things worn out by time and use, Luke 12:33; Hebrews 1:11 , "shall wax old," lit., "shall be made old," i.e., worn out; in Hebrews 8:13 (2nd part), RV, "is becoming old" (AV "decayeth"); here and in the 1st part of the verse, the verb may have the meaning "to abrogate;" for the next verb in the verse, see No. 2. </p> <div> '''D — 2: '''''Γηράσκω''''' ''' (Strong'S #1095 — Verb — gerasko — ghay-ras'-ko ) </div> <p> from geras, "old age" (akin to B, No. 1), "to grow old," is translated "thou shalt be old," in John 21:18; "waxeth aged," Hebrews 8:13 , RV (AV, "waxeth old"). </p> John 8:57 Mark 5:42 | ||
== King James Dictionary <ref name="term_61852" /> == | |||
<p> OLD, a. </p> 1. [[Advanced]] far in years or life having lived beyond the middle period, or rather towards the end of life, or towards the end of the ordinary term of living applied to animals or plants as an old man an old age an old camel or horse an old tree. This adjective is placed after the noun that designates the time lived. <p> [[Abraham]] was seventy five years old when he departed from Haran. Genesis 12 . </p> 2. Having been long made or used decayed by time as an old garment an old house. 3. Being of long continuance begun long ago as an old acquaintance. 4. Having been long made not new or fresh as old wine. 5. Being of a former year's growth not of the last crop as old wheat old hay. 6. [[Ancient]] that existed in former ages as the old inhabitants of Britain the old Romans. 7. Of any duration whatever as a year old seven years old. How old art thou? 8. subsisting before something else. He built a new house on the site of the old one. The old law is repealed by the new. 9. Long practiced. he is grown old in vice. He is an old offender. 10. That has been long cultivated as old land an old farm opposed to new land, land lately cleared and cultivated. 11. More than enough great. <p> If a man were porter of hellgate, he should have old turning the key. </p> 12. In vulgar language, crafty cunning. <p> Of old, long ago from ancient times as in days of old. </p> <p> We apply old chiefly to things subject to decay. We never say, the old sun, or an old mountain. </p> | |||
== Smith's Bible Dictionary <ref name="term_74223" /> == | |||
<p> '''Gold.''' Gold was known from the very earliest times. Genesis 2:11. It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. Genesis 24:22. Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the [[Egyptian]] tombs, gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Compare Genesis 43:21. </p> <p> Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, 1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 2 Chronicles 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9, but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc. 1 Kings 6:22 10 ''Passim'' ; Esther 1:6; Song of [[Solomon]] 3:9-10; Jeremiah 10:9. The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, [[Sheba]] and Ophir. 1 Kings 9:28; 1 Kings 10:1; Job 28:16. </p> | |||
== Webster's Dictionary <ref name="term_150165" /> == | |||
<p> '''(1):''' ''' (''' v. t.) Money; riches; wealth. </p> <p> '''(2):''' ''' (''' v. t.) A yellow color, like that of the metal; as, a flower tipped with gold. </p> <p> '''(3):''' ''' (''' v. t.) Figuratively, something precious or pure; as, hearts of gold. </p> <p> '''(4):''' ''' (''' n.) Alt. of Goolde </p> <p> '''(5):''' ''' (''' v. t.) A metallic element, constituting the most precious metal used as a common commercial medium of exchange. It has a characteristic yellow color, is one of the heaviest substances known (specific gravity 19.32), is soft, and very malleable and ductile. It is quite unalterable by heat, moisture, and most corrosive agents, and therefore well suited for its use in coin and jewelry. Symbol Au (Aurum). Atomic weight 196.7. </p> | |||
== Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature <ref name="term_53482" /> == | |||
<p> A fine description of the decrepitude of old age is contained in Ecclesiastes 12:5 sq., The ancient Hebrews, in obedience to a natural feeling, and because of their superior moral discipline, entertained the highest regard for the aged ( Job 12:12; Job 15:10); and this sentiment still prevails throughout the East (Rosenm '''''Ü''''' ller, ''Morgenland,'' 2:208 sq.; ''Descript. De'' '''''‘''''' ''Egypte,.'' 18:174 sq.), as it did among all ancient nations (Homer, ''I.'' 23:788; Isocr. ''A Rop.'' p. 354,355; Diog. Laert. 1:3, 2; 8:1, 19; Herod. 2:80; Juvenal, ''Sat.'' 13:54; Aul. Gell. 2:15; Strabo, 11:503; Justin, 3:3, 9; Doughteei Analect. 1:84; see C. Kretzschmar, De Senectute Priscis Ionorata [Dresd. 1784]), although in Europe, as the power of.education has increased, and the circumstances of life have become more complicated. the honor given to age has decreased. (But comp. Ebert, Ueberliefer, 2:1, p. 90 sq.) The young were accustomed to rise and give place modestly, whenever an old person approached ( Leviticus 19:32; AElian, ''Anim.'' 6:61. Herod. ''Ut Sup.;'' comp. also Job 29:8; Otho, ''Lex. Rabbin. '''''—''''' P.'' 686). Want of reverence for the aged was severely rebuked ( Deuteronomy 28:50; Lamentations 5:12; Wisdom of Solomon 2:10), and moralists often inculcated peculiar, obligations to the old ( Proverbs 23:22; Sirach 3:13; Sirach 6:35; Sirach 8:7; Sirach 32:13). The [[Essenes]] were especially zealous in their regard for the old (Philo, Opp. 2:459, 633). The salutation "father" was frequently addressed to aged men among the Hebrews, as also among the [[Greeks]] and Romans (comp. Heindorf, On Horat. Sat. 2:1, 12); but it appears in the Bible rather as an expression of respect, or as applied to holy men ( 2 Kings 6:21; 2 Kings 13:14). From the earliest times the Hebrews chose their officers and judges from the old men of the nation. While yet in Egypt they had elders to represent the people ( Exodus 3:16; Exodus 4:29; Exodus 12:21; comp. Exodus 17:5; Exodus 18:12), and Moses himself appointed a college of seventy "elders" ( Numbers 6:16; but comp. Exodus 24:1; Exodus 24:9) to aid him in ruling. From this time the [[Israelites]] always had " ''Elders,'' " sometimes of the whole nation ( Joshua 7:6; Joshua 23:2; 1 Samuel 4:3; 1 Samuel 8:4; 2 Samuel 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:3; 2 Samuel 17:4; 1 Kings 8:1; 1 Kings 8:3; Jeremiah 19:1; Jeremiah 29:1), sometimes of single tribes ( Deuteronomy 31:28; 2 Samuel 19:11; 2 Chronicles 34:29), who however were distinct from the princes and officers of tribes and provinces ( Deuteronomy 29:10; Judges 11:5), and sometimes only of cities ( Deuteronomy 19:12; Deuteronomy 21:3; Deuteronomy 21:6; Deuteronomy 22:15; 1 Samuel 11:3; 1 Samuel 16:4; 1 Kings 21:8; 1 Kings 21:11; Ezra 10:14; 2 [[Maccabees]] 14:37; comp. Judges 8:14). In the ceremonial order of sacrifice, also, they were representatives of the people for certain purposes ( Leviticus 4:15; Leviticus 9:1). </p> <p> The elders of the city formed a council, with judicial and police authority ( Deuteronomy 22:15 sq.; Deuteronomy 25:7 sq.; Ruth 4:2 sq.; Judith 10:7), which held its sessions at the gates ( Job 29:7). Yet other judges .are sometimes mentioned ( Ezra 10:14; comp. Susan. 5; and (See [[Judge]]) ). The elders of the people and of the tribes were the constitutional representatives of the people under the kings ( 1 Kings 8:1; 1 Kings 20:7; 2 Kings 28:1). They still retained their functions during the [[Captivity]] ( Ezekiel 14:1; Ezekiel 20:7), and after the restoration to [[Palestine]] were the medium of communication between the people and their foreign rulers ( Ezra 5:9; Ezra 6:7), and even until the time of the Maccabees were a tribunal of general resort in the internal affairs of the nation ( Ezra 6:14; Ezra 10:8; 1 Maccabees 12:6; 1 Maccabees 12:35; 1 Maccabees 13:36; 1 Maccabees 14:9). It does not appear, however, that the "elders" were always in reality the oldest men; superior ability and personal influence were qualifications for this position, even apart from advanced age, so that gradually the word elder ( '''''זָקֵן''''' ''Zaken'' ) passed into a mere title, belonging of course to the office (comp. Philo, Opp. 1:393), just as the word '''''Γέρων''''' in the [[Grecian]] states (as in Sparta, Wachsmuth, ''Hel.'' Alt. 1:463), senator in Rome, and elder in the [[Protestant]] churches (comp. Gesen. Thesaur. p. 427 sq.). In the New [[Testament]] the elders of the people ( Matthew 26:47; Luke 7:3; called " ''The [[Senate]] Of The [[Children]] Of Israel'' " ''[ '''''Γερπισία''''' '''''Τῶν''''' '''''Υἱῶν''''' '''''Ι᾿Σραήλ''''' ],'' Acts 5:21) usually appear as composing, in connection with the high-priests and scribes. the [[Jewish]] Sanhedrim ( Matthew 26:3; Matthew 26:47; Matthew 27:1 sq.; Mark 14:43; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Acts 4:5; Acts 5:21). (See [[Sanhedrim]]). After the model of the Jewish synagogue, at the head of which stood the elders, the apostles appointed elders also in the several churches (called the "presbytery," 1 Timothy 4:14; see Acts 11:30; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:2 sq.; Acts 16:4). (See [[Age]]); (See [[Elders]]); (See [[Presbytery]]). </p> | |||
==References == | ==References == | ||
<references> | <references> | ||
<ref name=" | |||
<ref name="term_78603"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/vine-s-expository-dictionary-of-nt-words/old Old from Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words]</ref> | |||
<ref name="term_61852"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/king-james-dictionary/old Old from King James Dictionary]</ref> | |||
<ref name="term_74223"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/smith-s-bible-dictionary/old Old from Smith's Bible Dictionary]</ref> | |||
<ref name="term_150165"> [https://bibleportal.com/dictionary/webster-s-dictionary/old Old from Webster's Dictionary]</ref> | |||
<ref name="term_53482"> [https://bibleportal.com/encyclopedia/cyclopedia-of-biblical-theological-and-ecclesiastical-literature/old Old from Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature]</ref> | |||
</references> | </references> |
Latest revision as of 12:55, 14 October 2021
Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words [1]
"original, ancient" (from arche, "a beginning:" Eng., "archaic," "archaeology," etc.), is used (a) of persons belonging to a former age, "(to) them of old time," Matthew 5:21,33 , RV; in some mss. ver. 27; the RV rendering is right; not ancient teachers are in view; what was said to them of old time was "to be both recognized in its significance and estimated in its temporary limitations, Christ intending His words to be regarded not as an abrogation, but a deepening and fulfilling" (Cremer); of prophets, Luke 9:8,19; (b) of time long gone by, Acts 15:21; (c) of days gone by in a person's experience, Acts 15:7 , "a good while ago," lit., "from old (days)," i.e., from the first days onward in the sense of originality, not age; (d) of Mnason, "an early disciple," Acts 21:16 , RV, not referring to age, but to his being one of the first who had accepted the Gospel from the beginning of its proclamation; (e) of things which are "old" in relation to the new, earlier things in contrast to things present, 2—Corinthians 5:17 , i.e., of what characterized and conditioned the time previous to conversion in a believer's experience, RV, "they are become new," i.e., they have taken on a new complexion and are viewed in an entirely different way; (f) of the world (i.e., the inhabitants of the world) just previous to the Flood, 2—Peter 2:5; (g) of the Devil, as "that old serpent," Revelation 12:9; 20:2 , "old," not in age, but as characterized for a long period by the evils indicated.
akin to C, No. 1 (Eng., "paleontology," etc.), "of what is of long duration, old in years," etc., a garment, wine (in contrast to neos; see NEW), Matthew 9:16,17; Mark 2:21,22 (twice); Luke 5:36,37,39 (twice); of the treasures of Divine truth, Matthew 13:52 (compared with kainos: see NEW); of what belongs to the past, e.g., the believer's former self before his conversion, his "old man," "old" because it has been superseded by that which is new, Romans 6:6; Ephesians 4:22 (in contrast to kainos); Colossians 3:9 (in contrast to neos); of the covenant in connection with the Law, 2—Corinthians 3:14; of leaven, metaphorical of moral evil, 1—Corinthians 5:7,8 (in contrast to neos); of that which was given long ago and remains in force, an "old" commandment, 1—John 2:7 (twice), that which was familiar and well known in contrast to that which is fresh (kainos).
Revelation 12:9 20:2
"olde, elder," is used in the plural, as a noun, in Acts 2:17 , "old men." See Elder.
denotes "an old man" (from the same root comes Eng., "gray"), John 3:4 .
"an old man," Luke 1:18 , is translated "aged" in Titus 2:2; Philemon 1:9 (for this, however, see the RV marg.). See Aged.
"old age," occurs in Luke 1:36 .
denotes "long ago, of old," Hebrews 1:1 , RV, "of old time" (AV, "in time past"); in Jude 1:4 , "of old;" it is used as an adjective in 2—Peter 1:9 , "(his) old (sins)," lit., "his sins of old." See While.
"from of old, for a long time" (ek, "from," and No. 1), occurs in 2—Peter 2:3 , RV, "from of old" (AV, "of a long time"); 2—Peter 3:5 . See Long , B, Note (2).
1—Peter 3:5 2—Peter 1:21
akin to A, No. 2, denotes, in the Active Voice, "to make or declare old," Hebrews 8:13 (1st part); in the Passive Voice, "to become old," of things worn out by time and use, Luke 12:33; Hebrews 1:11 , "shall wax old," lit., "shall be made old," i.e., worn out; in Hebrews 8:13 (2nd part), RV, "is becoming old" (AV "decayeth"); here and in the 1st part of the verse, the verb may have the meaning "to abrogate;" for the next verb in the verse, see No. 2.
from geras, "old age" (akin to B, No. 1), "to grow old," is translated "thou shalt be old," in John 21:18; "waxeth aged," Hebrews 8:13 , RV (AV, "waxeth old").
John 8:57 Mark 5:42
King James Dictionary [2]
OLD, a.
1. Advanced far in years or life having lived beyond the middle period, or rather towards the end of life, or towards the end of the ordinary term of living applied to animals or plants as an old man an old age an old camel or horse an old tree. This adjective is placed after the noun that designates the time lived.
Abraham was seventy five years old when he departed from Haran. Genesis 12 .
2. Having been long made or used decayed by time as an old garment an old house. 3. Being of long continuance begun long ago as an old acquaintance. 4. Having been long made not new or fresh as old wine. 5. Being of a former year's growth not of the last crop as old wheat old hay. 6. Ancient that existed in former ages as the old inhabitants of Britain the old Romans. 7. Of any duration whatever as a year old seven years old. How old art thou? 8. subsisting before something else. He built a new house on the site of the old one. The old law is repealed by the new. 9. Long practiced. he is grown old in vice. He is an old offender. 10. That has been long cultivated as old land an old farm opposed to new land, land lately cleared and cultivated. 11. More than enough great.
If a man were porter of hellgate, he should have old turning the key.
12. In vulgar language, crafty cunning.
Of old, long ago from ancient times as in days of old.
We apply old chiefly to things subject to decay. We never say, the old sun, or an old mountain.
Smith's Bible Dictionary [3]
Gold. Gold was known from the very earliest times. Genesis 2:11. It was at first used chiefly for ornaments, etc. Genesis 24:22. Coined money was not known to the ancients till a comparatively late period; and on the Egyptian tombs, gold is represented as being weighed in rings for commercial purposes. Compare Genesis 43:21.
Gold was extremely abundant in ancient times, 1 Chronicles 22:14; 2 Chronicles 1:15; 2 Chronicles 9:9; Daniel 3:1; Nahum 2:9, but this did not depreciate its value, because of the enormous quantities consumed by the wealthy in furniture, etc. 1 Kings 6:22 10 Passim ; Esther 1:6; Song of Solomon 3:9-10; Jeremiah 10:9. The chief countries mentioned as producing gold are Arabia, Sheba and Ophir. 1 Kings 9:28; 1 Kings 10:1; Job 28:16.
Webster's Dictionary [4]
(1): ( v. t.) Money; riches; wealth.
(2): ( v. t.) A yellow color, like that of the metal; as, a flower tipped with gold.
(3): ( v. t.) Figuratively, something precious or pure; as, hearts of gold.
(4): ( n.) Alt. of Goolde
(5): ( v. t.) A metallic element, constituting the most precious metal used as a common commercial medium of exchange. It has a characteristic yellow color, is one of the heaviest substances known (specific gravity 19.32), is soft, and very malleable and ductile. It is quite unalterable by heat, moisture, and most corrosive agents, and therefore well suited for its use in coin and jewelry. Symbol Au (Aurum). Atomic weight 196.7.
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [5]
A fine description of the decrepitude of old age is contained in Ecclesiastes 12:5 sq., The ancient Hebrews, in obedience to a natural feeling, and because of their superior moral discipline, entertained the highest regard for the aged ( Job 12:12; Job 15:10); and this sentiment still prevails throughout the East (Rosenm Ü ller, Morgenland, 2:208 sq.; Descript. De ‘ Egypte,. 18:174 sq.), as it did among all ancient nations (Homer, I. 23:788; Isocr. A Rop. p. 354,355; Diog. Laert. 1:3, 2; 8:1, 19; Herod. 2:80; Juvenal, Sat. 13:54; Aul. Gell. 2:15; Strabo, 11:503; Justin, 3:3, 9; Doughteei Analect. 1:84; see C. Kretzschmar, De Senectute Priscis Ionorata [Dresd. 1784]), although in Europe, as the power of.education has increased, and the circumstances of life have become more complicated. the honor given to age has decreased. (But comp. Ebert, Ueberliefer, 2:1, p. 90 sq.) The young were accustomed to rise and give place modestly, whenever an old person approached ( Leviticus 19:32; AElian, Anim. 6:61. Herod. Ut Sup.; comp. also Job 29:8; Otho, Lex. Rabbin. — P. 686). Want of reverence for the aged was severely rebuked ( Deuteronomy 28:50; Lamentations 5:12; Wisdom of Solomon 2:10), and moralists often inculcated peculiar, obligations to the old ( Proverbs 23:22; Sirach 3:13; Sirach 6:35; Sirach 8:7; Sirach 32:13). The Essenes were especially zealous in their regard for the old (Philo, Opp. 2:459, 633). The salutation "father" was frequently addressed to aged men among the Hebrews, as also among the Greeks and Romans (comp. Heindorf, On Horat. Sat. 2:1, 12); but it appears in the Bible rather as an expression of respect, or as applied to holy men ( 2 Kings 6:21; 2 Kings 13:14). From the earliest times the Hebrews chose their officers and judges from the old men of the nation. While yet in Egypt they had elders to represent the people ( Exodus 3:16; Exodus 4:29; Exodus 12:21; comp. Exodus 17:5; Exodus 18:12), and Moses himself appointed a college of seventy "elders" ( Numbers 6:16; but comp. Exodus 24:1; Exodus 24:9) to aid him in ruling. From this time the Israelites always had " Elders, " sometimes of the whole nation ( Joshua 7:6; Joshua 23:2; 1 Samuel 4:3; 1 Samuel 8:4; 2 Samuel 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:3; 2 Samuel 17:4; 1 Kings 8:1; 1 Kings 8:3; Jeremiah 19:1; Jeremiah 29:1), sometimes of single tribes ( Deuteronomy 31:28; 2 Samuel 19:11; 2 Chronicles 34:29), who however were distinct from the princes and officers of tribes and provinces ( Deuteronomy 29:10; Judges 11:5), and sometimes only of cities ( Deuteronomy 19:12; Deuteronomy 21:3; Deuteronomy 21:6; Deuteronomy 22:15; 1 Samuel 11:3; 1 Samuel 16:4; 1 Kings 21:8; 1 Kings 21:11; Ezra 10:14; 2 Maccabees 14:37; comp. Judges 8:14). In the ceremonial order of sacrifice, also, they were representatives of the people for certain purposes ( Leviticus 4:15; Leviticus 9:1).
The elders of the city formed a council, with judicial and police authority ( Deuteronomy 22:15 sq.; Deuteronomy 25:7 sq.; Ruth 4:2 sq.; Judith 10:7), which held its sessions at the gates ( Job 29:7). Yet other judges .are sometimes mentioned ( Ezra 10:14; comp. Susan. 5; and (See Judge) ). The elders of the people and of the tribes were the constitutional representatives of the people under the kings ( 1 Kings 8:1; 1 Kings 20:7; 2 Kings 28:1). They still retained their functions during the Captivity ( Ezekiel 14:1; Ezekiel 20:7), and after the restoration to Palestine were the medium of communication between the people and their foreign rulers ( Ezra 5:9; Ezra 6:7), and even until the time of the Maccabees were a tribunal of general resort in the internal affairs of the nation ( Ezra 6:14; Ezra 10:8; 1 Maccabees 12:6; 1 Maccabees 12:35; 1 Maccabees 13:36; 1 Maccabees 14:9). It does not appear, however, that the "elders" were always in reality the oldest men; superior ability and personal influence were qualifications for this position, even apart from advanced age, so that gradually the word elder ( זָקֵן Zaken ) passed into a mere title, belonging of course to the office (comp. Philo, Opp. 1:393), just as the word Γέρων in the Grecian states (as in Sparta, Wachsmuth, Hel. Alt. 1:463), senator in Rome, and elder in the Protestant churches (comp. Gesen. Thesaur. p. 427 sq.). In the New Testament the elders of the people ( Matthew 26:47; Luke 7:3; called " The Senate Of The Children Of Israel " [ Γερπισία Τῶν Υἱῶν Ι᾿Σραήλ ], Acts 5:21) usually appear as composing, in connection with the high-priests and scribes. the Jewish Sanhedrim ( Matthew 26:3; Matthew 26:47; Matthew 27:1 sq.; Mark 14:43; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66; Acts 4:5; Acts 5:21). (See Sanhedrim). After the model of the Jewish synagogue, at the head of which stood the elders, the apostles appointed elders also in the several churches (called the "presbytery," 1 Timothy 4:14; see Acts 11:30; Acts 14:23; Acts 15:2 sq.; Acts 16:4). (See Age); (See Elders); (See Presbytery).