Topical Encyclopedia The term "ethnarch" is derived from the Greek word "ethnarches," which is a compound of "ethnos" (nation or people) and "archo" (to rule). An ethnarch is a ruler or governor of a specific ethnic group or nation, often within a larger political entity. This title was used in the Hellenistic and Roman periods to denote leaders who had authority over a particular ethnic group, especially in regions where diverse populations coexisted under imperial rule.In the context of the Bible, the term "ethnarch" is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in 2 Corinthians 11:32. The Apostle Paul refers to an ethnarch in his recounting of the events in Damascus: "In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas secured the city of the Damascenes in order to arrest me" . The term "governor" here is translated from the Greek "ethnarches," indicating that the individual had authority over the ethnic group residing in Damascus, which was under the influence of King Aretas IV of Nabatea at the time. The role of an ethnarch was significant in maintaining order and governance among diverse populations. Ethnarchs often acted as intermediaries between the ruling empire and the local populace, ensuring that the interests of their ethnic group were represented while also enforcing the policies of the overarching government. This position required a delicate balance of loyalty to the ruling power and advocacy for the governed people. Historically, the title of ethnarch was not limited to Jewish leaders but was used across various cultures and regions. However, in the context of Jewish history, the term is sometimes associated with leaders who had authority over the Jewish people during periods of foreign domination. For example, during the Hasmonean period, the title was used to describe leaders who had both political and religious authority. The use of the term in the New Testament highlights the complex political landscape of the time, where local rulers and governors operated under the larger dominion of Roman authority. The presence of an ethnarch in Damascus during Paul's time illustrates the interconnectedness of different political entities and the role of local governance within the Roman Empire. In summary, the term "ethnarch" in the biblical context refers to a leader with authority over a specific ethnic group, often serving as a liaison between the people and the ruling empire. This role was crucial in maintaining the social and political order in regions characterized by ethnic diversity and imperial control. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The governor of a province or people.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia ETHNARCHeth'-nark (2 Corinthians 11:32 margin). Greek 1481. ethnarches -- an ethnarch, a governor (not king) of a ... ... an ethnarch, a governor (not king) of a province. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: ethnarches Phonetic Spelling: (eth-nar'-khace) Short ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1481.htm - 6k Library The Honors that were Paid the Jews; and the Leagues that were Made ... Herod Ejects Antigonus, the Son of Aristobulus Out of Judea, and ... Index i. Of Subjects Book 17 Footnotes The Historical Situation Reign of Abgar The Child Jesus Brought from Egypt to Nazareth. How Claudius Restored to Agrippa his Grandfathers Kingdoms and ... The Times of Pilate. How Crassus came into Judea, and Pillaged the Temple; and Then ... Thesaurus Ethnarch (1 Occurrence)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ETHNARCH. eth'-nark (2 Corinthians 11:32 margin). See GOVERNOR. Multi-Version Concordance Ethnarch (1 Occurrence). ... /e/ethnarch.htm - 7k Tetrarch (5 Occurrences) Governor (78 Occurrences) Damascus (58 Occurrences) Wishing (25 Occurrences) Ethnan (1 Occurrence) Ethni (1 Occurrence) Asaramel Aristobulus (1 Occurrence) Watching (111 Occurrences) Resources Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.orgEthnarch: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Ethnarch (1 Occurrence)2 Corinthians 11:32 Subtopics Related Terms |