Greek word · G446

ἀνθύπατος

anthypatos

proconsul

The Greek equivalent of the Latin proconsul: a governor of senatorial rank ruling a province administered by the Roman Senate, not directly by the emperor.

Appears 5 times in 5 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

ἀνθύπατος -ου, ὁ

(ἀντί, ὕπατος, altern. for ὑπέρτατος),

supreme, a consul, one acting in place of a consul, a proconsul, the administrator of a senatorial province (cf. ἡγεμών, and see MM, VGT, 44): Acts 13:7-8, 12 18:12 19:38.†

(AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Acts 13:8

Range of meaning

The Greek equivalent of the Latin proconsul: a governor of senatorial rank ruling a province administered by the Roman Senate, not directly by the emperor.

Against the English

KJV has "deputy". In 1611 that meant someone governing on another's behalf, but today it suggests a subordinate officer such as a deputy sheriff. Modern versions rightly have "proconsul". NLT's "governor" is accurate in function but drops the specific rank.

How it drifted

"Deputy" has shrunk in English from a high delegated governor to a minor assistant.

Used elsewhere in the period

Cyprus became a senatorial province in 22 BC (Cassius Dio 54.4.1), so a proconsul is exactly the right title, a point often noted in favour of Luke's accuracy. Luke also correctly calls Gallio proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12). Inscriptions mention a Lucius Sergius Paullus as a Tiber curator under Claudius (CIL VI 31545). Inscriptions from Cyprus and Pisidian Antioch have been linked to the family, though how they connect to this man is debated.

From the study of Acts 18:12

Range of meaning

The Greek equivalent of Latin proconsul. Under the Roman emperors it was the title of a governor of a 'senatorial' province: one assigned by the Senate rather than run directly by the emperor's own appointees. These governors usually served a one-year term.

Against the English

Most modern versions say 'proconsul'. The KJV says 'deputy', which in 1611 English meant a governor acting for the sovereign (like the 'Lord Deputy' of Ireland). Today the word suggests an assistant or a sheriff's deputy.

How it drifted

English 'deputy' narrowed from 'one who governs in the sovereign's place' to 'a subordinate helper'.

Used elsewhere in the period

Achaia was joined to Macedonia under imperial control in 15 CE and handed back to the Senate by Claudius in 44 CE (Cassius Dio 60.24; Tacitus, Annals 1.76). So 'proconsul' is exactly right for Gallio's time. A letter of Claudius inscribed at Delphi names Gallio as proconsul and dates to Claudius's 26th acclamation as imperator (around 52 CE). Luke uses the correct titles elsewhere too: Sergius Paulus in Cyprus (13:7) and the proconsuls of Asia (19:38).

From the study of Acts 13:7

Range of meaning

The Greek equivalent of Latin proconsul: a former magistrate governing a province "in place of a consul". Under Augustus it was the specific title for governors of senatorial provinces, which the Senate assigned by lot, usually for one year. Governors of imperial provinces were called legati (Greek presbeutai) or prefects.

Against the English

Most modern versions have "proconsul", which is exact. KJV's "deputy of the country" uses "deputy" in its older sense of someone acting on another's behalf. That is not wrong, but "of the country" is added and the precise rank disappears. NLT-style "governor" is understandable but loses the technical title.

How it drifted

No real drift in the word itself. The KJV wording simply reflects how 1611 English described a stand-in ruler.

Used elsewhere in the period

Dio Cassius (54.4.1) records that Augustus handed Cyprus to the Senate in 22 BC, so from then on it had proconsuls. Inscriptions and coins from Cyprus name proconsuls. Luke uses the same title correctly for Gallio in Achaia (Acts 18:12) and for the proconsuls of Asia (19:38).

Where it appears

Acts · 5

  1. Acts 13:7 ἀνθυπάτῳ proconsul

    an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

    Here: The exact Roman title for the governor of a province run by the Senate, which Cyprus was at this time. He was the highest authority on the island.

  2. Acts 13:8 ἀνθύπατον proconsul

    But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

    Here: The Roman governor of Cyprus, a senatorial province, here Sergius Paulus. This is the highest authority on the island, and the stakes of the contest are high.

  3. Acts 13:12 ἀνθύπατος proconsul

    When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.

  4. Acts 18:12 ἀνθυπάτου proconsul

    While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.

    Here: The exact Roman title for the governor of a province run by the Senate. It is the correct title for Achaia after 44 CE.

  5. Acts 19:38 ἀνθύπατοί proconsuls

    So if Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, the courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another there.

    Here: The Roman governor of a senatorial province such as Asia, who heard cases himself. The plural most likely means "there are such things as proconsuls," i.e. Roman judges exist for this.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.