Elder
The role and status of elders have varied across different time periods: In the Old Testament times, Elders were leaders of the Israelite tribes, chosen for their wisdom and virtue. During Jesus’ time, elders were religious leaders of Judaism, often members of the Sanhedrin (Jewish ruling council). In the early Church, the term elder referred to a title given under the grace of the Holy Spirit to those spiritually mature and capable of teaching and leading the believers.
The Term Elder in the Bible
The Hebrew word Zaqen (זָקֵן),[1] translated as “elder” in the Old Testament, originates from the word Zaqan (זָקָן),[2] meaning “beard.”[3] Initially, Zaqen referred simply to an older person, but over time it came to mean tribal elders who led the Israelite tribes—patriarchs (heads of clans) who held influence within their families, as well as city leaders who governed and represented their communities.
In the New Testament, the word “elder” is translated from the Greek presbuteros (πρεσβύτερος),[4] which also means “older person” or “senior.” Presbuteros was used in a variety of contexts, referring to local council members, Sanhedrin officials, and church leaders (elders).
Roles of Elders
In the Old Testament
- Elders Before the Early State
The exact origin of the Israelite system of elders is not explicitly stated in the Bible. However, the first mention of elders in Israel appears during the time of Moses,[5] when they served as tribal leaders and representatives of their people. Similar systems existed outside Israel as well; the Bible refers to the “elders of Pharaoh’s court,”[6] and the elders of Moab and Midian acted as spokespersons for Balak, the king of Moab.[7] These references suggest that elders were widely recognized as a leadership class in the ancient Near East.
During the Israelites’ journey from Egypt to Canaan, the elders played a key role in guiding the people alongside Moses.[8][9] After the Exodus, seventy elders were appointed to assist Moses throughout the wilderness journey.[10][11] Their leadership also extended into religious practices: When the whole assembly sinned against God’s command and became aware of their guilt, the elders laid their hands on a young bull before the Tent of Meeting, slaughtered it, and gave its blood to the anointed priest for the sin offering.[12][13] Once the Israelites settled in Canaan, the elders continued to function as city representatives, managing administrative, judicial, and other public affairs.[14][15][16]
- Elders in the Kingdom Era
After the establishment of the monarchy, the authority of the elders was somewhat reduced, but they continued to hold significant roles as representatives of the people. They participated in the appointment of kings[17] and served as royal advisors.[18][19] During Solomon’s reign, the elders were involved in the transfer of the ark of the covenant to the temple in Jerusalem.[20] The elder system persisted through the Babylonian exile.[21] Following the return from exile, the elders took the lead in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem[22] and supported the prophet Ezra[23] in guiding the people toward repentance.[24] However, not all elders remained faithful—some were rebuked by God for oppressing the people or leading them astray.[25][26][27]
In the New Testament
- Jewish Elders
During the time of Jesus, the Jewish elders—alongside the high priests and scribes—held influential positions in both the political and religious spheres of Judaism. Many of them served as members of the Sanhedrin, the highest decision-making body among the Jewish people.[28][29] These elders were deeply committed to the traditions passed down by their predecessors, especially the oral law, and fiercely resisted any movement that challenged their authority. Because Jesus confronted their misuse of authority and exposed their hypocrisy, they became hostile toward Him.[30][31][32] He rebuked them sharply for elevating human traditions above the commandments of God.[33]
- Elders in the Early Church
In the early Church, elders were entrusted with the spiritual oversight and care of local churches.[34] The apostles appointed mature and respected individuals to serve as elders in each church community,[35][36] partnering with them in leadership.[37] In some cases, apostles themselves held the title of elder. This role was divinely instituted as part of God’s plan to shepherd the church—bought with His own blood.[38] Elders were called to guide believers, teach the word of God, and serve with humility and integrity. The role continues in the church today, often alongside that of pastors[39] and deacons.[40]
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ’s sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.
See also
References
- ↑ Strong's #2205 – זָקֵן, StudyLight.org
- ↑ Strong's Hebrew: 2206. זָקָן, Bible Hub
- ↑ Strong's Hebrew: 2205. זָקֵן, Bible Hub
- ↑ Strong's Greek: 4245. πρεσβύτερος, Bible Hub
- ↑ "Exodus 3:16".
- ↑ "Genesis 50:7–8".
- ↑ "Numbers 22:4–7".
- ↑ "Exodus 3:18".
- ↑ "Exodus 12:21".
- ↑ "Exodus 24:1".
- ↑ "Numbers 11:16–17".
- ↑ "Leviticus 4:15".
- ↑ "Leviticus 9:1–2".
- ↑ "Deuteronomy 21:1–2".
- ↑ "Deuteronomy 21:18–21".
- ↑ "Ruth 4:9".
- ↑ "2 Samuel 3:17–18".
- ↑ "1 Kings 12:6–7".
- ↑ "1 Kings 20:7–8".
- ↑ "1 Kings 8:1–11".
- ↑ "Jeremiah 29:1".
- ↑ "Ezra 5:2–5".
- ↑ Ezra, Britannica
- ↑ "Ezra 10:8, 14".
- ↑ "Isaiah 3:14–15".
- ↑ "Isaiah 9:13".
- ↑ "Ezekiel 8:11–12".
- ↑ "Luke 22:66".
- ↑ "Acts 4:5–8".
- ↑ "Mark 7:3–9".
- ↑ "Matthew 21:1–46".
- ↑ "Matthew 26:57–59".
- ↑ "Mark 7:3–9".
- ↑ "1 Peter 5:1–2".
- ↑ "Acts 14:23".
- ↑ "Titus 1:5".
- ↑ "1 Peter 5:1".
- ↑ "Acts 20:17–28".
- ↑ "Ephesians 4:11–12".
- ↑ "1 Timothy 3:10".