"a ruler or prefect of a city, city magistrate, Acts 17:6, 8*"
Definition and meaning
a ruler or prefect of a city, city magistrate, Acts 17:6, 8*
In the original Greek the word is written: πολιτάρχης
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 politarches (G4173) across the King James Bible.
And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G4173 (politarches) is a Greek word that means: a ruler or prefect of a city, city magistrate, Acts 17:6, 8* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word politarches (G4173) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G4173 is politarches, a Greek word defined as: a ruler or prefect of a city, city magistrate, Acts 17:6, 8*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
politarches is a Greek word found in the New Testament.