hēgeomai (to govern)

Meaning

Usually translated “leading”, “do esteem” and “have esteemed”. Open the dictionary entry below for the full range of meaning, with the verses it cites.

How it's translated

leading 7
do esteem 3
i have esteemed 2
i esteemed 2
esteem 2
having esteemed 2
ruler 1
be esteeming 1

Word-by-word English from the STEPBible tagged text.

Where it's used most

Hebrews 6
Philippians 5
Acts 4
2 Peter 4
1 Timothy 2
Matthew 1

11 books in all.

Related words

Explore in Scripture

1 Timothy 1:12In contextAnd I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry;
1 Timothy 6:1In contextLet as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
2 Peter 1:13In contextYea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance;
2 Peter 2:13In contextAnd shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
2 Peter 3:9In contextThe Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:15In contextAnd account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

All 27 verses, by book

Matthew 1: 2:6
Luke 1: 22:26
Acts 4: 7:10 14:12 15:22 26:2
2 Corinthians 1: 9:5
Philippians 5: 2:3 2:6 2:25 3:7 3:8
1 Thessalonians 1: 5:13
2 Thessalonians 1: 3:15
1 Timothy 2: 1:12 6:1
Hebrews 6: 10:29 11:11 11:26 13:7 13:17 13:24
James 1: 1:2
2 Peter 4: 1:13 2:13 3:9 3:15

Greek dictionary

ἡγέομαι hēgeomai · to govern

ἡγέομαι, -οῦμαι depon. mid., [in LXX (chiefly Pres. ptcp.) for נָגִיד, רֹאשׁ, שַׂר, etc. ;] 1. to lead; (a) to guide, go before; (b) to rule, be leader: present ptcp., ἡγούενος, a ruler, leader (MM, Exp., xiv), Mat.2:6 (LXX), Luk.22:26, Act.7:10 14:12 15:22, Heb.13:7, 17 13:24. …

From STEPBible’s Greek lexicon (based on Abbott-Smith).

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

How the English word “govern” was understood when the King James Version was still the common Bible of English readers.

GOV'ERN, verb transitive

[Latin guberno. The Latin guberno seems to be a compound.]

To direct and control, as the actions or conduct of men, either by established laws or by arbitrary will; to regulate by authority; to keep within the limits prescribed by law or sovereign will.
To regulate; to influence; to direct.
To control; to restrain; to keep in due subjection; as, to govern the passions or temper.
To direct; to steer; to regulate the course or motion of a ship.

All definitions and other forms of “govern”

In grammar, to require to be in a particular case; as, a verb transitive governs a word in the accusative case; or to require a particular case; as, a verb governs the accusative case.

GOV'ERN, verb intransitive

To exercise authority; to administer the laws. The chief magistrate should govern with impartiality.

To maintain the superiority; to have the control.

Noah Webster, An American Dictionary of the English Language (1828). Verse references are checked against the KJV. Read the full entry.