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Friend of the King
Excerpt from the Lexham Bible Dictionary, the most advanced Bible dictionary.
A title for a king’s advisor or close friend. Zabud occupied this role in Solomon’s court (1 Kings 4:5). Ahuzzath was the friend of Abimelech (Gen 26:26) and Hushai the friend of David (2 Sam 15:37). Both kings Saul and Baasha had unnamed “friends” (2 Sam 3:8; 1 Kgs 16:11). A Greek phrase meaning “friend of the king” (οἱ φίλοι πρω̂τοι, hoi philoi prōtoi) is also used in 1 and 2 Maccabees to designate Antiochius’ favorite courtiers (1 Macc 2:18; 3:38; 6:10, 14; 10:60, 65; 11:26, 27; 2 Macc 8:9). The phrase appears to have been an official title used by the Seleucid court (1 Macc 10:20).
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The Lexham Bible Dictionary
Friend of the King
Friend of the King A title for a king’s advisor or close friend. Zabud occupied this role in Solomon’s court (1 Kings 4:5). Ahuzzath was the friend of Abimelech (Gen 26:26) and Hushai the friend of David (2 Sam 15:37). Both kings Saul and Baasha had unnamed “friends” (2 Sam 3:8; 1 Kgs 16:11). A Greek
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised
Friend of the King
Friend of the King [Heb rēʿeh hammeleḵ] (1 K. 4:5; 1 Ch. 27:33); AV also KING’S COMPANION; [Gk. phíloi toú basiléōs] (1 Macc. 2:18; 3:38; 6:10; 10:65). An intimate adviser or royal companion high in the hierarchy of palace officials. In Gen. 26:26 Ahuzzath appears to have been such an “adviser” (RSV
The New Bible Dictionary, Third Edition
Friend of the King
FRIEND OF THE KING. A phrase which was applied to various individuals. Ahuzzath was the ‘friend’ (mērēa of Abimelech the king of Gerar (Gn. 26:26); Saul had a ‘friend’ (mērēa’) unnamed, 2 Sa. 3:8); Hushai the Archite was David’s ‘friend’ (rē‘eh, 2 Sa. 15:37); Solomon’s ‘friend’ (rē‘eh) was Zabud
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FRIENDS; CHIEF FRIENDS
FRIENDS; CHIEF FRIENDS([οἱ φίλοι πρω̂τοι, hoi philoi proton]): Expressions used in 1 and 2 Macc to designate the favored courtiers of the Antiochi. Mattathias is promised enrollment among the king’s Friends, to tempt him to apostatize (1 Macc 2:18); Alexander Balas writes Jonathan among his Chief
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
Friend of the King
FRIEND OF THE KING Title of a court official (1 Kings 4:5). The king’s friend was counselor and companion to the monarch. He functioned somewhat as a secretary of state. Hushai evidently held this office in David’s court; Zabud held it in Solomon’s.
The International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Volumes 1–5
Friends, Chief Friends
FRIENDS, CHIEF FRIENDS (οἱ φίλοι πρῶτοι, hoi phíloi prō̇toi): Expressions used in 1 and 2 Macc to designate the favored courtiers of the Antiochi. Mattathias is promised enrolment among the king’s Friends, to tempt him to apostatize (1 Macc 2:18); Alexander Balas writes Jonathan among his Chief Friends