Bible Dictionary
BENEFACTOR
A benefactor is one who confers benefits on others. Jesus contrasted worldly rulers who received this title with the humility required in His kingdom, where greatness is shown through service rather than status.
Definition
A benefactor is one who confers benefits on others. The term may describe a title given to rulers who presented themselves with the display and luxury of earthly power.
Biblical Usage
Jesus contrasted worldly kingdoms, where rulers received the title “benefactor,” with His kingdom, where true greatness belongs to those whose work is humble, obscure, and often menial service.
Historical Background
The term probably alludes to Ptolemy III and Ptolemy VII of Egypt, both of whom bore the surname Euergetes. Their periods are given as 247-242 BC and 147-117 BC.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>ben-e-fak'-ter (Greek euergetes, Lu 22:25): There is here a probable allusion to two kings of Egypt (Ptolemy III and VII), who had the surname "Euergetes," of whom the period of the first was 247-242 BC, and of the second, 147-117 BC. Jesus draws the contrast between worldly kingdoms, in which the title "benefactor" is given those who rule with all the splendor of earthly display and luxury, and His kingdom, in which it belongs only to those whose work is that of humble, obscure and often menial service.</p>