שִׁלְטוֹן (shil.ton)
shil.ton
governor
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun shilton refers to a governor, ruler, or official who exercises authority over others. In the biblical text, it denotes a person holding a position of power and administration, rather than the abstract concept of sovereignty itself.
This word appears only twice in Scripture, both times in Daniel 3:2. The passage lists shilton alongside other high-ranking officials like satraps and prefects when describing the diverse group summoned to King Nebuchadnezzar’s dedication of a golden image. Its limited usage highlights its specific role within the imperial hierarchy of Babylon.
While similar words exist for kingship or general rule, shilton emphasizes the function of governance and jurisdiction. It points to the human agents who enforce royal decrees and manage provincial affairs under the crown’s authority.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word shilton describes a governor or official who holds authority under a higher power. In Daniel 3, it refers to the Babylonian leaders summoned by King Nebuchadnezzar. These men represented the empire’s structure and its demand for total allegiance. Their presence highlights the immense pressure faced by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
For believers today, this word reminds us that all human authority is temporary and subordinate to God. When we face systems or leaders that contradict our faith, we can stand firm knowing that God’s sovereignty exceeds any earthly throne. We are called to honor God above every political structure, trusting in His ultimate justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] authorities of2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שִׁלְטֹנֵ֣י2×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:2
Then Nebuchadnezzar the king sent to gather together the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up.
This verse introduces shilton as part of the imperial hierarchy summoned to enforce the king’s decree.
-
Daniel 3:3
Then the local governors, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Here the governors stand before the image, illustrating their role in validating the king’s idolatrous demand.