4245

From Textus Receptus

4245 πρεσβύτερος presbuteros pres-boo’-ter-os

comparative of presbus (elderly); Adjective

AV-elder 64, old man 1, eldest 1, elder woman 1; 67

1) elder, of age,

1a) the elder of two people

1b) advanced in life, an elder, a senior

1b1) forefathers

2) a term of rank or office

2a) among the Jews

2a1) members of the great council or Sanhedrin (because in early times the rulers of the people, judges, etc., were selected from elderly men)

2a2) of those who in separate cities managed public affairs and administered justice

2b) among the Christians, those who presided over the assemblies (or churches) The NT uses the term bishop, elders, and presbyters interchangeably

2c) the twenty four members of the heavenly Sanhedrin or court seated on thrones around the throne of God