"royal, regal, Acts 12:20, 21; βασιλικός, used as a subst. a person attached to the king, courtier, Jn. 4:46, 49; met. royal, of the highest excellence, Jas. 2:8*"
Definition and meaning
royal, regal, Acts 12:20, 21; βασιλικός, used as a subst. a person attached to the king, courtier, Jn. 4:46, 49; met. royal, of the highest excellence, Jas. 2:8*
In the original Greek the word is written: βασιλικός
Historical context
John wrote for an audience familiar with both Jewish Scripture and Greek philosophy. The logos — the Word — was a term Greek philosophers used for the rational principle underlying the universe. John takes that concept and says: that logos became a person and lived among us. Crucifixion was the Roman execution method designed to maximize public humiliation, reserved for slaves and rebels.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of basilikos (G937) across the King James Bible.
So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die.
And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.
And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
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Common questions
Strong's G937 (basilikos) is a Greek word that means: royal, regal, Acts 12:20, 21; βασιλικός, used as a subst. a person attached to the king, courtier, Jn. 4:46, 49; met. royal, of the highest excellence, Jas. 2:8* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word basilikos (G937) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G937 is basilikos, a Greek word defined as: royal, regal, Acts 12:20, 21; βασιλικός, used as a subst. a person attached to the king, courtier, Jn. 4:46, 49; met. royal, of the highest excellence. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
basilikos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.