# king #

## Definition: ##

The term "king" refers to a man who is the supreme ruler of a city, state, or country.

* A king is usually chosen to rule because of his family relation to previous kings.
* When a king dies, it is usually his oldest son who becomes the next king.
* In ancient times, the king had absolute authority over the people in his kingdom.
* Rarely the term "king" may be used to refer to someone who is not a true king, such as "King Herod" in the New Testament.
* In the Bible, God is often referred to as a king who rules over his people.
* The "kingdom of God" refers to God's rule over his people.
* Jesus was called "king of the Jews," "king of Israel," and "king of kings."
* When Jesus comes back, he will rule as king over the world.
* This term could also be translated as, "supreme chief" or "absolute leader" or "sovereign ruler."
* The phrase "king of kings" could be translated as,  "king who rules over all other kings" or "supreme ruler who has authority over all other rulers."

(See also: [authority](../kt/authority.md) **·** [herodantipas](../other/herodantipas.md) **·** [kingdom](../other/kingdom.md) **·** [kingdomofgod](../kt/kingdomofgod.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [1 Timothy 06:15-16](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/1ti/06/15)
* [2 Kings 05:17-19](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2ki/05/17)
* [2 Samuel 05:3-5](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2sa/05/03)
* [Acts 07:9-10](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/07/09)
* [Acts 13:21-22](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/act/13/21)
* [John 01:49-51](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/jhn/01/49)
* [Luke 01:5-7](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/01/05)
* [Luke 22:24-25](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/22/24)
* [Matthew 05:33-35](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/05/33)
* [Matthew 14:8-9](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/mat/14/08)

## Examples from the Bible stories: ##

  __*[08-06](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/08-06)__  One night, the Pharaoh, which is what the Egyptians called their kings, had two dreams that disturbed him greatly.
  __*[16-01](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/16-01)__  The Israelites had no __king__, so everyone did what they thought was right for them.
  __*[16-18](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/16-18)__  Finally, the people asked God for a __king__ like all the other nations had.
  __*[17-05](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/17-05)__  Eventually, Saul died in battle, and David became __king__ of Israel. He was a good __king__, and the people loved him.
  __*[21-06](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/21-06)__  God's prophets also said that the Messiah would be a prophet, a priest, and a __king__.
  __*[48-14](https://door43.org/en/obs/notes/frames/48-14)__  David was the __king__ of Israel, but Jesus is the __king__ of the entire universe!