Patriarch
“From patria (clan) and archē (rule); head of a family or tribe”
Summary
A patriarch is the head or father of a family or tribe, a title applied in Scripture especially to the ancestors of the Hebrew nation—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and his twelve sons—as well as to David.
☩Biblical Usage
The term patriarch (Greek patriarchēs) appears in the New Testament applied to Abraham (Hebrews 7:4), to the twelve sons of Jacob (Acts 7:8-9), and to David (Acts 2:29). The word is equivalent to the Hebrew phrase for "head of a father's house" or "prince of a tribe" found frequently in the Old Testament. The Septuagint uses the term in 1 Chronicles 24:31, 27:22 and 2 Chronicles 23:20, 26:12. In common usage, the title is assigned especially to those whose lives are recorded before Moses—from Adam through Noah to Abraham—and sometimes to the later progenitors of Israel.
☩The Patriarchal System
In the early history of the Hebrews, the father or ancestor of a family retained authority over his children and grandchildren as long as he lived, regardless of new connections they might form. When the father died, the branch families did not break off and form new communities but usually united under another common head—generally the eldest son. His authority was paternal; he was honored as the central point of connection and representative of the whole kindred. Thus each great family had its patriarch or head, and each tribe its prince selected from the several family heads. This "patriarchal system" developed naturally out of family relations before the formation of nations and establishment of regular government.
☩Use Regarding David
Peter's application of the term to David (Acts 2:29) carries particular significance. Speaking "with boldness," Peter needed to say something unfavorable about David—that he died and was buried and his tomb remained among them—in order to enhance the glory of Christ's resurrection. The honorific title "patriarch" thus serves as a softening preface, acknowledging David's dignity while distinguishing him from the greater Son of David who rose from the dead.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Patriarch," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Patriarch," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Patriarch," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).