Bible Dictionary

Reign

To rule or govern as a king or other person in authority; also the period during which someone rules.

Quick Reference

Total Entries

516

Entry Position

390 of 516

Letter

R

Meaning

To rule or govern as a king or other person in authority; also the period during which someone rules.

Key Scriptures

  • 1 Samuel 13:1
  • 2 Samuel 5:4-5
  • 1 Kings 2:11-12
  • 2 Kings 11:1-3
  • 1 Chronicles 29:23
  • Psalm 47:7-8
  • Psalm 93:1
  • Psalm 96:10
  • Daniel 4:17
  • Luke 1:32-33
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24-25
  • Revelation 11:15

Original Language

Hebrew

מָלַךְ

malak

to reign; rule as king

Greek

βασιλεύω

basileuō

to reign; rule as king

Meaning

To rule or govern as a king or other person in authority; also the period during which someone rules.


Biblical Usage

In Scripture, reign describes the exercise or duration of royal authority. Kings reign over nations and kingdoms, while Scripture also uses the term for God’s rule.

The Bible records the reigns of individual kings and gives their periods of rule as part of Israel’s and Judah’s history. The New Testament also uses reign in describing the rule associated with Christ and the future defeat of opposing powers.


Key References

  • 1 Samuel 13:1
  • 2 Samuel 5:4-5
  • 1 Kings 2:11-12
  • Psalm 93:1
  • Daniel 4:17
  • Luke 1:32-33
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24-25
  • Revelation 11:15

  • King
  • Kingdom
  • Ruler
  • Throne

Study More

Continue your Bible study by exploring related Scriptures, dictionary terms, and connected topics.

Scriptures

  • 1 Samuel 13:1
  • 2 Samuel 5:4-5
  • 1 Kings 2:11-12
  • 2 Kings 11:1-3
  • 1 Chronicles 29:23
  • Psalm 47:7-8
  • Psalm 93:1
  • Psalm 96:10
  • Daniel 4:17
  • Luke 1:32-33
  • 1 Corinthians 15:24-25
  • Revelation 11:15

Related Terms

Study Topics

kingship government authority kingdom