βουλευτής (bouleutēs)
bouleutēs
member of a council
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun bouleutēs refers to a member of a governing council or senate. In the New Testament, it specifically identifies a participant in the Sanhedrin, the high court of Jewish leadership in Jerusalem. The term appears only twice in the Christian scriptures, both within the narrative of Jesus’ trial and crucifixion.
Its usage highlights the political weight of the moment. Mark 15:43 describes Joseph of Arimathea as a respected member of the council who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God. Similarly, Luke 23:50 presents him as a good and righteous man among these leaders. The word underscores that even within the body condemning Jesus, there were individuals seeking spiritual truth.
Etymologically, bouleutēs derives from boule, meaning "council" or "plan." This connection links the official title to the concept of deliberation and decision-making. By identifying Joseph as a bouleutēs, the texts emphasize his social standing and authority, making his secret discipleship and bold request for Jesus’ body all the more significant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word bouleutēs identifies a member of the Sanhedrin, the high governing council in Jerusalem. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both pointing to Joseph of Arimathea. This title carries significant weight, indicating a man of high social standing and political authority within Jewish society.
What makes this designation so striking is how it contrasts with Joseph’s inner life. The Gospels describe him as someone who was secretly waiting for the Kingdom of God. He held a position of power in the very body that condemned Jesus, yet his heart leaned toward spiritual truth rather than political safety.
This detail offers a quiet encouragement for faithfulness in difficult seasons. It reminds us that influence and conviction can coexist. Even when surrounded by opposition, individuals with authority can choose to align themselves with divine purposes, acting with courage when it matters most.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a Council member1×
- Council member1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βουλευτὴς2×
Key Verses
-
Mark 15:43
Joseph of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also himself was looking for God’s Kingdom, came. He boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body.
This verse uses the term to highlight Joseph's official status as a prominent council member who was simultaneously seeking God’s Kingdom, creating a tension between his public role and private faith.
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Luke 23:50
Behold, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man
Here the word identifies Joseph as a righteous man within the council, emphasizing that moral integrity existed among those who held judicial power over Jesus.