A word used to translate several terms that represent various kinds of leadership positions in society. David is called the “ruler over all Israel” (1Sam 25:30; NRSV: “prince”), and Solomon is termed the “ruler over Israel and over Judah” (1Kgs 1:35). But the word may also designate the leader of any segment of the social structure, whether family, clan, or tribal unit (Exod 18:25; Judg 11:8). Rulers were apparently the chief overseers of livestock (Gen 47:6), David’s public works projects (1Chr 29:6), Persian satrapies (“officials of the provinces,” Esth 8:9), and cities under Hezekiah (2Chr 29:20). In the NT the leader or president of a synagogue is called the “ruler of the synagogue” (NRSV: “leader”; Matt 9:18; Mark 5:22-43; Luke 13:10-17). We also read of “rulers of the city” (NRSV: “authorities”), where the reference is to the local Greek magistrates, rather than to the Roman authorities (Acts 16:19; Acts 17:6).
