Governor

The English word "governor" translates several Hebrew and Greek terms in Scripture, covering a range of administrative roles. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew nāgîd (a prominent leader), peḥāh (a provincial governor under Persian or Assyrian authority), and śar (a prince or official) are all rendered "governor" at various points. In the New Testament, Roman governors held judicial and military authority over provinces: Pontius Pilate and Festus were governors (hēgemōn) of Judea. Joseph was appointed governor over Egypt (Gen. 42:6; Acts 7:10). The governor of Damascus sought to seize Paul (2 Cor. 11:32). The term thus encompasses everything from local clan leaders to imperial provincial administrators across the full sweep of biblical history.