βουλευτής

From the study of Mark 15:43

Range of meaning

A member of a boulē, a deliberative or governing council. In the Greek world that usually meant a city council. In Judea, Greek writers used it for members of the Jerusalem council that Mark elsewhere calls the synedrion (Sanhedrin).

Against the English

KJV/YLT 'counsellor', where modern readers hear an adviser or therapist. Modern versions say 'member of the Council' (capitalised by NIV/NASB/BSB, which signals the Sanhedrin). NLT 'high council'.

How it drifted

Early modern English used 'counsellor' for a member of a council (as in 'privy counsellor'). Today the word suggests a personal adviser, legal counsel or therapist.

Used elsewhere in the period

Josephus uses βουλευταί for Jerusalem's councillors alongside the 'rulers' (e.g. Jewish War 2.405). Luke 23:50–51 uses the same word for Joseph and adds that he 'had not agreed to their decision and action', which shows Luke took it to mean the body that condemned Jesus.

From the study of Luke 23:50

Range of meaning

A member of a boulē, a deliberative or governing council. In Greek cities this was the town council. Writers who used Greek also applied it to members of the Jerusalem council of priests, elders and scribes (in Hebrew-derived terms, the Sanhedrin). The word implies rank, wealth and public responsibility.

Against the English

BSB, NIV, ESV, NASB and WEB say 'member of the council' or 'Council member', which is accurate. KJV's 'counsellor' was correct in 1611 (one who sits in counsel) but now suggests a therapist or adviser. NLT spells it out as the Jewish high council, which makes the referent clear.

How it drifted

In English 'counsellor' moved from 'member of a council' toward 'professional adviser or therapist', so the KJV wording now misleads.

Used elsewhere in the period

Josephus uses bouleutai for Jerusalem's councillors, who with the magistrates went out to collect overdue tribute (Jewish War 2.405). Mark 15:43 calls Joseph a euschēmōn bouleutēs, 'a prominent councillor'. In the NT the noun appears only for Joseph (Mark 15:43; Luke 23:50). The Vulgate renders it decurio, the Latin word for a member of a Roman town council.