πειθαρχέω
peitharchéō
G3980 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To obey, to comply with, or to submit to authority—especially to one in a position of official or governing rule. The primary sense is 'to act under persuasion of authority,' typically with an implication of intentional or willing submission to rules, commands, or directives issued by recognized leadership or officials. In extended contexts, can also convey a readiness to heed or follow guidance, advice, or instruction from authoritative sources.
Semantic Range
to obey (civil or institutional authority), to comply with official orders, to follow instructions of recognized leaders, to submit to governing officials or laws, to heed authoritative direction
Root / Etymology
Compound of πείθω (to persuade, to convince) and ἄρχω (to rule, to govern). The term literally carries the sense 'to be persuaded by one who rules,' hence to obey or submit to authority.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πειθαρχέω is a distinctly Koine and post-classical formation, rare or unattested in earlier Greek. It appears in Hellenistic and Roman-period literature with a consistent administrative or civic nuance—usually referring to obedience owed to authorities, magistrates, or laws. In both the Septuagint and New Testament, it typically refers to compliance with recognized (usually civil) authorities rather than general or moral obedience. English translations often paraphrase as 'obey,' 'be obedient to officials,' or 'heed authorities,' but this can underrepresent the word's stress on social and legal obligation in a civically governed society. Related terms include ὑπακούω (to listen, to heed, often with a focus on hearing and responding), but πειθαρχέω emphasizes the personal conviction or persuasion underlying obedience, particularly to those with official governance. In Acts (e.g., Acts 5:29), the distinction emerges between obedience to divine authority (θεῷ δεῖ πειθαρχεῖν) versus human authority, indicating the tension between different claims on the individual's submission.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a compound of πείθω and ἄρχω; to be persuaded by a ruler, i.e. (genitive case) to submit to authority; by analogy, to conform to advice:--hearken, obey (magistrates).
Root Family
πειθαρχέω (peitharcheō) — to persuade, to rule, to obey
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3980-01 |
πειθαρχεῖν | peitharchein | V PRS ACT INF |
to be obedient | to obey ruling authority | to obey ruling authority | 2 |
G3980-02 |
πειθαρχήσαντάς | peitharchesantas | V AOR ACT PTCP ACC M PL |
having obeyed | those having obeyed authority | having obeyed | 1 |
G3980-03 |
πειθαρχοῦσιν | peitharchousin | V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M PL |
who obey | to those obeying authority | obeying authority | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3980-01 |
Acts 5:29 | πειθαρχεῖν | peitharchein | V PRS ACT INF |
to obey | to obey ruling authority | to obey ruling authority |
G3980-03 |
Acts 5:32 | πειθαρχοῦσιν | peitharchousin | V PRS ACT PTCP DAT M PL |
who obey | to those obeying authority | obeying authority |
G3980-02 |
Acts 27:21 | πειθαρχήσαντάς | peitharchesantas | V AOR ACT PTCP ACC M PL |
having obeyed | those having obeyed authority | having obeyed |
G3980-01 |
Titus 3:1 | πειθαρχεῖν | peitharchein | V PRS ACT INF |
to be obedient | to obey ruling authority | to obey ruling authority |