# elder

## Definition:

Elders are spiritually mature men who have responsibilities of spiritual and practical leadership among God's people.

* The term "elder" came from the fact that elders were originally older men who, because of their age and experience, had greater wisdom.
* In the Old Testament, the elders helped lead the Israelites in matters of social justice and the Law of Moses.
* In the New Testament, Jewish elders continued to be leaders in their communities and also were judges for the people.
* In the early Christian churches, Christian elders gave spiritual leadership to the local assemblies of believers.
* Elders in these churches included young men who were spiritually mature.
* This term could be translated as "older men" or "spiritually mature men leading the church."

## Bible References:

* [1 Chronicles 11:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/1ch/11/01)
* [1 Timothy 03:1-3](rc://en/tn/help/1ti/03/01)
* [1 Timothy 04:14](rc://en/tn/help/1ti/04/14)
* [Acts 05:19-21](rc://en/tn/help/act/05/19)
* [Acts 14:23](rc://en/tn/help/act/14/23)
* [Mark 11:28](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/11/28)
* [Matthew 21:23-24](rc://en/tn/help/mat/21/23)

## Word Data:

* Strong's: H1419, H2205, H4605, H7868, G1087, G3187, G4244, G4245, G4850

## Forms Found in the English ULB:

elder, elders