Prince
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Prince in the Bible?
The term 'prince' denotes a ruler, noble, or member of a royal family, frequently appearing in the Old Testament to signify political authority and social status. It applies to human monarchs, tribal leaders, and foreign rulers, while also serving as a metaphorical title for divine beings, angels, and mythological adversaries in specific theological contexts.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the varied usage of 'prince' clarifies the complex political structures of ancient Israel, distinguishing between sovereign kings, subordinate tribal leaders, and foreign dignitaries, while also revealing how biblical authors employed royal imagery to describe spiritual hierarchies and divine sovereignty.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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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.