UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: ruler, governor

Semantic entry: 37.56

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Rule, Govern

Definition: (derivative of ἄρχω ‘to rule,’ 37.54: ἄρχω) one who rules or governs

Sense 2: official, judge

Semantic entry: 56.29

Semantic domains: Courts and Legal Procedures

Subdomains: Judge, Condemn, Acquit

Definition: a minor government official serving as a judge

Notes: Though in RV LUK 12:58 · LV LUK 12:58 · Read together LUK 12:58 ἄρχων has essentially the same reference as κριτής and δικαστής (56.28: δικαστής / 56.28: κριτής), the meaning differs in that ἄρχων represents government authority functioning in judgment on cases.

Sense 3: power, authority, lordship, ruler, wicked force

Semantic entry: 12.44

Semantic domains: Supernatural Beings and Powers

Subdomains: Supernatural Powers

Definition: (ἄρχων τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ ἀέρος - title for supernatural forces and powers) a supernatural power having some particular role in controlling the destiny and activities of human beings

Notes: Some scholars have believed that it is possible to reconstruct at least in part some of the hierarchy represented by these various supernatural forces and powers, on the basis of the neoplatonic system of nine such powers arranged in three orders of three each. NT terminology and usage does not, however, lend itself to such a classification, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine what are the significant differences between these supernatural powers and forces.|In the case of RV EPH 1:21 · LV EPH 1:21 · Read together EPH 1:21 some scholars apply the terms in question both to the supernatural and to the human sphere, thus emphasizing the totality of Christ’s rule. This has a considerable measure of justification in view of the concepts held by persons in the ancient world, since various earthly powers were supposed to reflect corresponding supernatural powers.|For the most part, translators have endeavored to render the various terms in somewhat different ways, for example, ἐξουσία as ‘authority’; δύναμις as ‘power’; κυριότης as ‘ruler’; and phrases such as τὰ πνευματικὰ τῆς πονηρίας ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις as ‘wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world.’ In a number of languages, however, there are simply not enough terms to designate various kinds of powers, authorities, and forces which could be employed in speaking of such supernatural impersonal powers. Accordingly, some translators have simply used a phrase such as ‘any and all kinds of supernatural powers.’ Where it is possible to make certain lexical distinctions between terms and phrases, this, of course, should be done, but in a number of contexts this may be impossible, and accordingly, some explanation in a marginal note may be required if the reader is to understand satisfactorily the intent of the passages in question.

Collocations: ἄρχων τῆς ἐξουσίας τοῦ ἀέρος

Sense 4: a member of the Council

Semantic entry: 37.95

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Rule, Govern

Definition: (a title, literally: ruler of the Jews) a member of the highest legal, legislative, and judicial body among the Jews{N:001}

Collocations: ἄρχων τῶν Ἰουδαίων