Principal
TextsWhat is the meaning of Principal in the Bible?
The English word 'principal' translates nine distinct Hebrew terms in the King James Version, with the American Standard Revised Version and English Revised Version offering alternative renderings for several of these instances.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the specific Hebrew words behind 'principal' allows readers to distinguish between different types of authority and primacy in the biblical text, leading to a more accurate understanding of the social and religious hierarchies described by the original authors.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Principal functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Principal in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Principal clarify?
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
"Principal." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/principal/