# govern, government, governor, proconsul

## Definition:

A “governor” is a person who rules over a state, region, or territory. To “govern” means to guide, lead, or manage them.

* The term “proconsul” was a more specific title for a governor who ruled over a Roman province.
* In Bible times, governors were appointed by a king or emperor and were under his authority.
* A “government” consists of all the rulers who govern a certain country or empire. These rulers make laws that guide the behavior of their citizens so that there is peace, safety, and prosperity for all the people of that nation.

## Translation Suggestions:

* The word “governor” can also be translated as “ruler” or “overseer” or “regional leader” or “one who rules over a small territory.”
* Depending on the context, the term “govern” could also be translated as, “rule over” or “lead” or “manage” or supervise.”
* The term “governor” should be translated differently than the terms for “king” or “emperor”, since a governor was a less powerful ruler who was under their authority.
* The term “proconsul” could also be translated as, “Roman governor” or “Roman provincial ruler.”

(See also: [authority](../kt/authority.md), [king](../other/king.md), [power](../kt/power.md), [province](../other/province.md), [Rome](../names/rome.md), [ruler](../other/ruler.md))

## Bible References:

* [Acts 07:9-10](rc://en/tn/help/act/07/09)
* [Acts 23:22](rc://en/tn/help/act/23/22)
* [Acts 26:30](rc://en/tn/help/act/26/30)
* [Mark 13:9-10](rc://en/tn/help/mrk/13/09)
* [Matthew 10:18](rc://en/tn/help/mat/10/18)
* [Matthew 27:1-2](rc://en/tn/help/mat/27/01)

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H324, H1777, H2280, H4951, H5148, H5460, H6346, H6347, H6486, H7989, H8269, H8660, G445, G446, G746, G1481, G2232, G2233, G2230, G4232
