Greek word - (presbuteros G4245)
Quiz - Choose the answer that is closest to what you think ELDER is.
A - a spiritual leader in the church
B - an older man
C - a tribal leader
D - a member of the Sanhedrin
Problem - Outdated, Misused
KJV Example - "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine" (1 Timothy 5:17).
Explanation
The meaning of this word is simple. It means older. The Greek word, presbuteros, means older and the corresponding English word, elder, is simply an old English word for older. The male form of this word (in Greek) should be translated older man and the female form, older woman.
In Bible times and in many cultures, the older men are the leaders. The high priest and elders were the leaders of the Jews. The apostles and elders were the leaders of the early church in Jerusalem.
The older people in a church should hold a special place of importance and wisdom, especially those who are actively serving Jesus. Those who are younger should look up to them, respect them, and seek out their insight.
This does not require an election. It requires age, older people.
So who is over whom? Are the older men over the pastor, or the pastor over the older men? The Biblical term for the position of pastor, supervisor, answers this question. The pastor is the supervisor over the whole church, not the church minus the older men.
This is how it is in heaven. The Supervisor of our souls (1 Peter 2:25), Jesus, holds a position over the twenty-four elders. The 24 elders bow down in submission to Jesus (Revelation 5:8).
How is it that some churches today elect young men to the position of elder and then train them how to be older? That does not make sense.
In the Bible, elder is older.
Modern Synonym - older man
Bible Version Tally (how other versions translate this word) - elder (38 of 50), leader (7 of 50)
Breakthrough Version - "The older men who have presided well must be thought of as deserving double value, especially the ones laboring in message and instruction" (1 Timothy 5:17).