Senate

γερουσία/SEN-it/

“Eldership”

Summary

A term used once in the New Testament for the Jewish Sanhedrin, the supreme council of elders who governed Israel's religious and civil affairs.

☩Biblical Usage

The term 'senate' (Greek gerousia, meaning 'eldership') appears in Acts 5:21 where the high priest 'called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel.' The Greek word was used by classical writers for a deliberative or legislative body, and by the Septuagint for the collective body of Jewish elders. In Acts, it appears as an explanatory addition to 'council' (sunedrion), referring to the Sanhedrin.

Key verses:Acts 5:21

☩Related Terms

The word 'senator' appears in Psalm 105:22, where the Hebrew word is zaqen ('elder'). Joseph was given authority in Egypt to 'bind his princes at will, and teach his senators wisdom.' The term refers to the respected elders who formed the governing council.

Key verses:Psalm 105:22

Related Verses2 mentions

Acts· 1 verse

5:21

Psalms· 1 verse

105:22

References

1.James Orr (ed.), "Senate; Senator," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
2.John McClintock and James Strong, "Senate," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
3.James Orr (ed.), "Senate; Senator," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
4.James Orr (ed.), "Senate; Senator," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).