Captain
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Captain in the Bible?
The English term 'captain' translates various Hebrew and Greek words, encompassing roles such as military commander, chief officer, leader by divine appointment, and governor.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific semantic range of the original languages allows readers to distinguish between military authority, civil administration, and spiritual leadership in biblical narratives.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Captain. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Captain in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Captain clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Captain." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/captain/