βασίλειον (basileion)
basileion
palace
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun basileion refers to a royal dwelling or palace, derived from the root for kingship. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 7:25, where Jesus contrasts the simple life of a prophet with the luxurious setting of a king’s residence.
While the word can technically mean a capital city in broader Greek usage, the sources indicate its primary sense here is the physical palace itself. This distinction highlights the comfort and power associated with royal courts, serving as a vivid backdrop for Jesus’ teaching on true greatness and prophetic identity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When Jesus spoke about John the Baptist, He pointed out that John did not seek the comfort of a palace. The word used for these royal residences highlights a life of luxury and power, far removed from the desert wilderness where John lived. This contrast helps us see that true spiritual influence does not depend on grand surroundings or earthly status.
Instead of chasing the prestige associated with kings' courts, we are invited to find our worth in who God says we are. Your value is not measured by the size of your home or the comfort of your lifestyle, but by your faithfulness to Him. This perspective frees us from the pressure to perform for others' approval.
May you find peace in knowing that your identity is secure in Christ, regardless of your external circumstances. Let this truth encourage you to live simply and focus on what truly matters: loving God and serving others with humility.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- palaces1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βασιλείοις1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 7:25
But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed and live delicately are in kings’ courts.
Jesus uses this term to contrast John the Baptist's simple life with the luxurious lifestyle found in royal courts, highlighting that true prophetic identity does not rely on worldly comfort.