Bible Dictionary
ALLEGIANCE
Allegiance means loyalty and fidelity. In Scripture it can describe keeping the charge of a household or maintaining faithful association with a ruler or family.
Definition
Allegiance means loyalty and fidelity, especially the faithful maintenance of an association or obligation.
Biblical Usage
The term is used in the sense of maintaining loyalty and fidelity to the house of Saul.
Historical Background
The underlying expression literally refers to keeping a charge or responsibility.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a-le'-jans (mishmereth, "a charge," from shamar, "to keep," 1Ch 12:29): the Revised Version, margin gives as literal meaning, "kept the charge of the house of Saul," which revisers consider figurative for "maintaining their loyalty and fidelity," i.e. "allegiance."</p>