ἡγέομαι (hēgeomai)
hēgeomai
to govern
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek verb hēgeomai carries a dual meaning that shifts between physical leadership and mental estimation. In its primary sense, it means to lead or go before, often implying official authority. This is seen when the text refers to rulers or those who hold authority over others, such as the magistrates in Acts 15:22 or the spiritual leaders mentioned in Hebrews 13:7 and 17.
The word also functions as a synonym for thinking or considering, particularly when evaluating the value of something. Paul uses this sense frequently in Philippians to describe how believers should view others and their own experiences. In Philippians 2:3, he urges Christians to esteem others better than themselves, while in Philippians 3:8, he counts all things as loss compared to knowing Christ.
This semantic range connects the idea of guiding with the idea of judging a path. Just as a leader sets the direction for a group, the mind directs its attention toward what it considers important. The sources note that this usage appears in various grammatical structures throughout the New Testament, linking the act of leadership with the internal process of valuation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hēgeomai invites us to look at life through two lenses: leadership and valuation. In its physical sense, it describes those who guide communities, from magistrates in Acts to the spiritual elders in Hebrews. These leaders are called to serve rather than dominate, modeling a humility that points toward Christ Himself. When we see authority exercised with care, it reflects a divine order meant for our protection and growth.
Yet the word also turns inward, describing how we estimate value. Paul uses this sense to urge believers to count others as more significant than themselves and to view worldly gains as loss compared to knowing Jesus. This mental shift is not about self-denial for its own sake, but about aligning our hearts with what truly matters. It asks us to lead our own attention toward eternal realities.
Living out this dual meaning means respecting those who guide us while also carefully examining what we hold dear. When we esteem others and prioritize Christ above all else, we create a community marked by grace and clarity. This perspective offers hope in a world that often values power over service and wealth over wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- leading6×
- having esteemed2×
- I have esteemed2×
- I esteemed [it]2×
- to esteem1×
- they should esteem,1×
- she considered1×
- ruler1×
- esteeming1×
- esteem;1×
- esteem [them]1×
- do esteem,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἡγήσατο3×
- ἡγούμενος3×
- ἥγημαι2×
- ἡγοῦμαι2×
- ἡγούμενοι2×
- ἡγουμένους2×
- ἡγησάμην2×
- ἡγησάμενος2×
- ἡγεῖσθε,2×
- ἡγήσασθε,1×
- ἡγοῦνται·1×
- ἡγοῦμαι,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:3
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
Paul uses the word to command believers to actively esteem others as superior to themselves, reversing natural pride.
-
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
The term describes those who watch over souls and will give an account, linking authority with serious responsibility.
-
Philippians 3:8
Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be a loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ
Paul counts all things as loss to gain Christ, showing how the word measures spiritual worth against earthly gain.
-
Acts 15:22
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers.
The apostles choose chief men to lead the assembly, demonstrating the word's use for appointed community leaders.
-
Hebrews 11:26
considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward.
Moses considers Christ's reproach greater than Egypt's treasures, illustrating the valuation aspect of the verb in faith.