Bible Dictionaries
Chief

Holman Bible Dictionary

The English translation of at least thirteen different Hebrew words designating a leader in political, military, religious, or economic affairs. Abir means the powerful one and is used of the chief of Saul's shepherds ( 1 Samuel 21:7 ). Ayil is one who holds official power ( Exodus 15:15; 2 Kings 24:15; Ezekiel 17:13; Ezekiel 32:21 ). Aluph is the leader of a clan or tribe ( Genesis 36:15-43; Zechariah 12:5-6 ). Gibbor is the manly one or hero ( 1 Chronicles 9:26 ). Gadol is the great one or the big one ( Leviticus 21:10 ). Baal is the lord or master (Leviticus 21:4 ). Kohen is literally a priest and then a leader ( 2 Samuel 8:18 ). Nagid is a leader ( 1 Chronicles 23:22; 2 Chronicles 11:11; Isaiah 55:4; Jeremiah 20:1; Ezekiel 28:2 ). Nitstsab is the one in charge, the overseer or foreman ( 1 Kings 9:23 ). Menatstseach is the eminent one or supervisor and is used in the titles of many Psalms ( Psalm 4:1 ), apparently referring to the choir director. Nasi' is a sheikh or tribal chief ( Numbers 25:18; Joshua 22:14 ). Pinnah is the corner or cornerstone ( Judges 20:2; 1 Samuel 14:38; Zechariah 10:4 ). Attud is a ram or he-goat and is used metaphorically for a chief or leader ( Isaiah 14:9; Zechariah 10:3 ). Qatsin is the last one, the one who has to decide and thus the leader ( Joshua 10:24; Judges 11:6; Proverbs 6:7; Isaiah 1:10; Micah 3:1 ). Ro'sh is the head ( Numbers 25:4; 2 Samuel 23:8; 2 Samuel 25:18; Job 29:25 and often in Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah). Ri'shon is number one, the first ( Daniel 10:13 ). Re'shith is the first or beginning one (Daniel 11:41 ). Sar is one with dominion or rule, thus an official or ruler ( Genesis 40:2; 1 Samuel 17:18; 1 Kings 4:2; 1 Kings 5:16; 1 Chronicles 24:5; Daniel 10:20 ). Rab means numerous or great and is used in several compound words to represent the chief or greatest one ( 2 Kings 18:17; Jeremiah 39:13; Daniel 5:11 ).

In the New Testament the Greek word arche means beginning or chief and is used in several compound words to represent the chief priest or ruler ( Matthew 2:4; Matthew 16:21; Luke 11:15; Luke 19:2; John 12:42; Acts 18:8; Acts 19:31; 1 Peter 5:4 ). Hegeomai means to lead to command with official authority ( Luke 22:26; Acts 14:12 ). Protos means first or foremost ( Matthew 20:27; Luke 19:47; Acts 13:50; Acts 16:12; Acts 25:2; Acts 28:7 ). Chiliarchos is the commander of a military unit supposed to have 1,000 members ( Acts 21:31; Acts 25:23; Revelation 6:15 ).