ἀρχηγός
archēgós
G747 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Principal leader or originator; one who initiates or is the source of an action, process, or movement. In extension, used to denote an instigator, founder, pioneer, or one who blazes a trail for others. In some contexts, may refer to an authoritative ruler or prominent representative, such as a prince or captain.
Semantic Range
originator, initiator, founder, pioneer, leader, instigator, principal author, prince, captain
Root / Etymology
Compound of ἀρχή (beginning, origin, rule) and ἄγω (to lead, bring). The word denotes one who leads from the beginning, i.e., one who initiates and guides.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hellenistic and early Koine Greek, ἀρχηγός is used for those who are the originators or founding leaders—commonly of cities, inventions, or movements (e.g., Pindar, Herodotus). In the Septuagint, it is less common but can parallel Hebrew words for prince or leader. In the New Testament (Acts 3:15; 5:31; Hebrews 2:10; 12:2), ἀρχηγός signals not merely leadership but the function of being the source or pioneer—one who inaugurates salvation or faith for others. English translations such as 'author,' 'prince,' or 'captain' reflect interpretive traditions but none fully encompass the initiating or pioneering aspect central to ἀρχηγός. Its nuance includes both the origin (source) and active leadership. In contrast to ἡγεμών (ruler/leader) or ἄρχων (official/ruler), ἀρχηγός emphasizes origination and inaugurating role rather than mere authority or governance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀρχή and ἄγω; a chief leader:--author, captain, prince.
Root Family
ἀρχηγός (archēgos) — to begin, to lead, to guide, to be first
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G747-01 |
Ἀρχηγὸν | archegon | N ACC M SG |
author | founding leader | founding leader | 4 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G747-01 |
Acts 3:15 | Ἀρχηγὸν | archegon | N ACC M SG |
Prince | founding leader | founding leader |
G747-01 |
Acts 5:31 | Ἀρχηγὸν | archegon | N ACC M SG |
Prince | founding leader | founding leader |
G747-01 |
Hebrews 2:10 | ἀρχηγὸν | archegon | N ACC M SG |
author | founding leader | founding leader |
G747-01 |
Hebrews 12:2 | ἀρχηγὸν | archegon | N ACC M SG |
author | founding leader | founding leader |