What Does "Basileia" Mean?
The Greek word basileia is translated as “kingdom” in the Greek Scriptures. It is used, among other places, in the expressions Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven, which are central to Jesus’ preaching.
Many people think of a kingdom as a geographical territory ruled by a king or queen. But in the Bible, the word basileia has a broader meaning. It can refer not only to the kingdom itself, but also to the royal authority and the rulers who exercise it.
When this broader meaning is taken into account, several of the Bible’s statements about God’s Kingdom become easier to understand.
What Does "Basileia" Mean?
The Greek word basileia means kingdom and is the word behind the many references to God’s Kingdom in the Greek Scriptures.
When the Bible speaks of the Kingdom of God, it uses the Greek expression basileia tou theou. The expression Kingdom of Heaven, found especially in the Gospel of Matthew, comes from the Greek words basileia tōn ouranōn.
One Kingdom, Two Names
Jesus used both the expressions Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven. In the same conversation, he shows that they refer to the same Kingdom:
“And Jesus said to His disciples, Truly I say to you that a rich man will with great difficulty enter into the kingdom of Heaven. And again I say to you, It is easier for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 19:23–24, Interlinear Bible)
In the first verse, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven, while in the next he refers to the Kingdom of God. He therefore uses the two expressions to refer to the same Kingdom.
The Gospel of Matthew often uses the expression Kingdom of Heaven, while Mark, Luke, and John generally use Kingdom of God. These are not two different kingdoms, however, but two expressions for the same Kingdom. This is clearly shown by Jesus’ own words.
"Basileia" in Daniel 2:44
The Greek word basileia also occurs in the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. Daniel 2:44 says:
“And in the days of these kings, the God of heaven will establish another kingdom (basileia), which will endure forever and will not be destroyed. This kingdom will not be left to another nation, but it will strike and destroy these kingdoms, and it will stand forever.” (Dan. 2:44, Septuagint)
Here, the word basileia is used of the coming Kingdom that God himself will establish. It is the same Greek word later used in the Greek Scriptures when Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God.
Daniel’s prophecy thus provides an important background to Jesus’ preaching. When Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God, he uses the same word that had already been used in the Septuagint for the eternal Kingdom God had promised through the prophet Daniel. This creates a clear linguistic connection between Daniel’s prophecy and Jesus’ proclamation of the Kingdom of God.
"Basileia": More Than a Kingdom
When the word kingdom is used today, most people think of a country or territory ruled by a king or queen. But the word basileia is not always used in this way in the Bible.
In addition to referring to a kingdom, basileia can also refer to royal authority, rulership, or the rulers who exercise that authority. This understanding has its background in the Hebrew Scriptures, where God says to Israel:
“And now if you will surely listen to My voice, and will keep My covenant, you shall become a special treasure to Me above all the nations, for all the earth is Mine. And you shall become a kingdom of priests for Me, a holy nation.” (Exod. 19:5–6, Interlinear Bible)
Here Israel is not described as a geographical kingdom, but as a people who were to serve God as a kingdom of priests. This idea is carried forward in the Greek Scriptures, where believers are associated with both priestly and royal authority.
A Royal Priesthood
The idea expressed by God in Exodus 19:5–6 is carried forward in the Greek Scriptures. Peter writes about the believers:
“But you are an elect race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for possession, so that you may openly speak of the virtues of the One who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Pet. 2:9, Interlinear Bible)
Peter describes the believers as a royal priesthood. The expression shows that they are not only to serve God as priests, but also have a royal position. In this way, the idea God had earlier expressed to Israel is carried forward.
The same understanding is found in the book of Revelation, where John writes:
“And made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father.” (Rev. 1:6, Interlinear Bible)
“And You made us a kingdom and priests to our God, and we shall reign over the earth.” (Rev. 5:10, Interlinear Bible)
These verses show that God’s people are described as a kingdom consisting of kings and priests who will reign with Christ. This emphasizes that the word basileia does not always refer to a geographical kingdom, but can also refer to royal authority and those who exercise it.
This meaning helps us understand why the Bible uses the word basileia in several places to refer both to the Kingdom and to those who will reign in it.
Understanding God’s Kingdom
When the Bible speaks of God’s Kingdom, it therefore refers to more than a geographical realm. The word basileia can refer to the Kingdom itself, the royal authority, and the rulers whom God has chosen to exercise that authority.
This broader meaning helps us understand many of the Bible’s statements about God’s Kingdom. When Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom of God, his message was not merely about a coming Kingdom, but also about the royal government that God will establish under Jesus Christ.
Understanding the word basileia therefore provides a better foundation for understanding the Bible’s teaching about God’s Kingdom and the role that Christ and his co-rulers will have in God’s plan of salvation.
Brief Summary
The Greek word basileia means kingdom and is the word behind the many references to God’s Kingdom in the Greek Scriptures. The word also occurs in the Septuagint, where Daniel 2:44 describes the coming Kingdom that the God of heaven will establish.
Jesus used both the expressions Kingdom of God and Kingdom of Heaven to refer to the same Kingdom. At the same time, the Bible shows that basileia has a broader meaning than a geographical kingdom. The word can also refer to royal authority and the rulers who exercise it.
This broader meaning gives us a deeper insight into the Bible’s teaching about God’s Kingdom.
Note: In Revelation 1:6 and 5:10, some Greek manuscripts have the word basileia (kingdom), while others have basileis (kings). This article focuses on the meaning of the word basileia.
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