elder

Definition

The term “elder” refers to people (in the Bible, usually men) who have grown old enough to become mature adults and leaders within a community and to be respected for their wisdom and experience.

• The term “elder” came from the fact that elders were originally older men who, because of their age and experience, had greater wisdom.
• In the Old Testament, the elders helped lead the Israelites in matters of justice and the Law of Moses.
• In the New Testament, Jewish “elders” continued to be leaders in their communities and also were judges for the people.
• In the early Christian churches, Christian “elders” gave spiritual leadership to the local assemblies of believers. Elders in these churches sometimes included young men who were spiritually mature.
• This term could be translated as “respected leaders” or “spiritually mature men leading the church.”

Bible References

• 1 Chronicles 11:1-3
• 1 Timothy 3:1-3
• 1 Timothy 4:14
• Acts 5:19-21
• Acts 14:23
• Mark 11:28
• Matthew 21:23-24

Word Data

• Strong’s: H1419, H2205, H7868, G10870, G31870, G42440, G42450, G48500