Lieutenant
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Lieutenant in the Bible?
The term lieutenant functions as a modern translation for ancient Hebrew and Aramaic titles denoting provincial governors and military deputies, such as satraps, thereby reflecting the hierarchical administrative structures of empires referenced in biblical texts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing this translation clarifies the chain of command and political organization within biblical narratives, particularly in the books of Daniel and Esther, allowing readers to better understand the administrative context of ancient Near Eastern empires.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Lieutenant. 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 Lieutenant in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Lieutenant 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
"Lieutenant." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/lieutenant/