ἡγεμονεύω (hēgemoneuō)
hēgemoneuō
to govern
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hēgemoneuō means to lead or govern, specifically in a political or military context. It derives from the noun for "leader" and carries the sense of directing a group with authority. In the New Testament, it is used sparingly, appearing only twice, both within the Gospel of Luke.
These occurrences describe civil rulers exercising power over a region. Luke uses it to identify Herod as the ruler of Judea (Luke 2:2) and later refers to Pontius Pilate’s authority during Jesus’ trial (Luke 3:1). The word emphasizes the official capacity of these men as governors or commanders, rather than their personal character.
Translators typically render hēgemoneuō as "govern" or "rule," highlighting the administrative weight of the term. It distinguishes secular authority from spiritual leadership, anchoring the narrative in the historical reality of Roman provincial administration without adding theological commentary on the rulers themselves.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hēgemoneuō describes those who hold civil authority, such as governors or military commanders. In Luke’s Gospel, it appears only twice, pointing to Quirinius and Pontius Pilate. These men governed with official power, shaping the political landscape of their time. Their roles were real and historical, grounding the story of Jesus in a specific place and era.
For believers today, this reminds us that God’s plans unfold within human history. Secular leaders exercise authority, but they do not stand outside God’s sovereignty. Even when rulers act without regard for divine law, their positions are part of a larger narrative. This perspective helps us see our own lives as situated in time, under both earthly and heavenly oversight.
Understanding this word encourages trust in God’s ultimate control. While we may feel powerless against political forces, the Bible shows that no ruler operates beyond God’s permission. We can pray for leaders, knowing that history moves toward God’s purposes. This truth offers stability when the world feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- when is governing1×
- when is being governor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἡγεμονεύοντος2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:2
This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
This verse uses hēgemoneuō to identify Quirinius as the governor of Syria, anchoring the census in a specific historical administration.
-
Luke 3:1
Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,
Here the word describes Pontius Pilate’s role as governor of Judea, establishing the political context for John the Baptist’s ministry.