Presbyter: meaning, definitions and examples
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presbyter
[ ˈprɛz.bɪ.tər ]
religious leader
A presbyter is a clergy member in certain branches of the Christian church, particularly in Presbyterian and some other Protestant denominations. This role involves leadership, teaching, and the administration of church sacraments. Presbyterians believe that presbyters are ordained ministers who govern the church in conjunction with elders. The term is derived from the Greek word 'presbyteros', which means elder. In the early church, presbyters played a crucial role in guiding congregations and maintaining church order.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The presbyter delivered a moving sermon on Sunday.
- In our church, the presbyter is responsible for overseeing the community.
- She felt a calling to become a presbyter.
- The presbyters met to decide on the church’s future initiatives.
Translations
Translations of the word "presbyter" in other languages:
🇵🇹 presbítero
🇮🇳 पुजारी
🇩🇪 Presbyter
🇮🇩 presbiter
🇺🇦 пресвітер
🇵🇱 prezbiter
🇯🇵 長老
🇫🇷 prêtre
🇪🇸 presbítero
🇹🇷 presbiter
🇰🇷 장로
🇸🇦 كاهن
🇨🇿 presbyter
🇸🇰 presbyter
🇨🇳 长老
🇸🇮 prezbiter
🇮🇸 prestur
🇰🇿 пресвитер
🇬🇪 პრესბიტერი
🇦🇿 presbiter
🇲🇽 presbítero
Etymology
The word 'presbyter' has its origins in the early Christian church, stemming from the Greek word 'presbyteros', meaning 'elder' or 'old man'. This term was used to describe leaders in the church who were responsible for spiritual oversight and governance. As the church evolved, especially during the Reformation, the term became associated with specific branches of Protestantism, notably Presbyterianism. In this context, presbyters are seen as part of a broader system of governance that emphasizes shared leadership among elders rather than hierarchical structures. The use of the term has persisted through centuries, embodying a tradition that values the contributions of elder members within the church community.