Topical Encyclopedia
An envoy, in biblical terms, refers to a messenger or representative sent on behalf of a person or group, often carrying a message or conducting negotiations. The role of an envoy is significant in the biblical narrative, as it often involves diplomacy, communication, and the execution of important missions.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, envoys are frequently mentioned in the context of political and military affairs. They were often sent by kings to convey messages, negotiate treaties, or declare war. For instance, in
2 Kings 18:17, we read about the Assyrian king Sennacherib sending envoys to Jerusalem: "Then the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh from Lachish with a great army to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem." These envoys were tasked with delivering a message of intimidation and demanding the surrender of Jerusalem.
Envoys also played a role in peaceful negotiations. In
1 Kings 5:1-12, King Hiram of Tyre sent envoys to Solomon to express his desire to maintain the friendly relations that existed with Solomon's father, David. This led to a cooperative agreement for the supply of materials for the construction of the Temple.
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of an envoy is often spiritualized, with apostles and disciples acting as envoys of Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently refers to himself and others as ambassadors for Christ. In
2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul writes, "Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God." Here, the role of an envoy is elevated to a divine mission, representing the message of reconciliation and salvation.
Theological SignificanceTheologically, the role of an envoy underscores the importance of communication and representation in God's dealings with humanity. Envoys in the Bible are often seen as instruments through which God's will is communicated and executed. They serve as intermediaries between different parties, whether between nations or between God and His people.
In the prophetic literature, the concept of an envoy is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the role of prophets. Prophets are seen as envoys of God, delivering His messages to the people. For example, in
Isaiah 6:8, the prophet responds to God's call, saying, "Here am I. Send me!" This highlights the willingness of the prophet to act as God's envoy.
Practical ImplicationsFor believers, the biblical concept of an envoy can serve as a model for Christian witness and service. Just as envoys in the Bible were tasked with delivering important messages and representing their senders, Christians are called to be envoys of the Gospel, sharing the message of Christ with the world. This involves not only verbal proclamation but also living lives that reflect the values and teachings of Christ.
In summary, the role of an envoy in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing political, diplomatic, and spiritual dimensions. Whether in the service of earthly kings or the King of Kings, envoys are depicted as vital agents in the unfolding of God's purposes throughout the biblical narrative.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) One dispatched upon an errand or mission; a messenger; esp., a person deputed by a sovereign or a government to negotiate a treaty, or transact other business, with a foreign sovereign or government; a minister accredited to a foreign government. An envoy's rank is below that of an ambassador.
2. (n.) An explanatory or commendatory postscript to a poem, essay, or book; -- also in the French from, l'envoi.
Greek
652. apostolos -- a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle... Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: apostolos Phonetic Spelling:
(ap-os'-tol-os) Short Definition: an apostle, a messenger, an
envoy, a delegate
...2334. theoreo -- to look at, gaze
... Word Origin from theoros (anenvoy, spectator) Definition to look at, gaze NASB
Word Usage beholds (1), look (1), looking (5), observe (3), observed (4...
Strong's Hebrew
6735a. tsir -- anenvoy, messenger... 6735, 6735a. tsir. 6735b . an
envoy, messenger. Transliteration: tsir Short
Definition:
envoy. Word Origin from an unused word Definition
...6737. tsayar -- to act asenvoy
... 6736, 6737. tsayar. 6738 . to act asenvoy. Transliteration: tsayar Phonetic
Spelling: (tsaw-yar') Short Definition: envoys. Word...
6735. tsiyr -- anenvoy, messenger
... 6734, 6735. tsiyr. 6735a . anenvoy, messenger. Transliteration: tsiyr
Phonetic Spelling: (tseer) Short Definition: ambassador....
Library
L'envoy
... L'ENVOY. As one, escaped the bustling trafficking town, Worn out and weary,
climbs his favourite hill And thinks it Heaven to see...
L'envoy
... L'ENVOY. As one, escaped the bustling trafficking town, Worn out and weary,
climbs his favourite hill And thinks it Heaven to see...
Of the Persecutions in Persia and of them that were Martyred There...
... After two years there came anenvoy from Rome, to treat of other matters, who, when
he was informed of this imprisonment, petitioned the king to release the...
The Risen Lord's Charge and Gift
... and the only thing, that fits a man to receive it, and whoever possesses these is
thereby despatched into the world as being Christ'senvoy and representative....
The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark
... 48 or 49. POSTSCRIPT. L'ENVOY. GENERAL INDEX. FOOTNOTES. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ].
The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark Christian Bookshelf...
The Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark
... APPENDIX (H). POSTSCRIPT. L'ENVOY. GENERAL INDEX. [ Prev] [Top] [Next ]. The
Last Twelve Verses of the Gospel According to S. Mark Christian Bookshelf....
Knox, Wishart, and the Murder of Beaton: 1545-1546
... men in the town," by the treble traitor and rascal, Crichton, laird of Brunston
in Lothian, at this time a secret agent of Sadleir, theenvoy of Henry VIII....
Knox and Queen Mary, 1561
... shifty and dangerous partisan of Mary Stuart. The Lord James was selected
as anenvoy to Mary, in France. He was bidden to refuse her...
Contents.
... p.295. (H.) On the Interpolation of the Text of Codex B and Codex ', at S. Matthew
27:48 or 49 p.313. Postscript p.319. L'envoy. General Index p.325....
In the Birth of the Son Light Dawned, --And Darkness Fled from the...
... 6. Oneenvoy from among the stars"the firmament sent to proclaim to them,"to the
sons of Persia, that they might make ready"to meet the King and to...
Thesaurus
Envoy (5 Occurrences)... foreign government. An
envoy's rank is below that of an ambassador. 2
... envoi.
Multi-Version Concordance
Envoy (5 Occurrences). Luke 14
...Delegation (5 Occurrences)
... Delegation (5 Occurrences). Luke 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way
off, he sends anenvoy, and asks for conditions of peace. (See NAS NIV)....
Apostle (25 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary A person sent by another; a messenger;envoy. This
word is once used as a descriptive designation of Jesus...
Envoys (16 Occurrences)
Quintus
... Canuleius as sent to Egypt, 162 BC, and again (xxxiii.15) the same Quintus as sent
as an ambassador to Rhodes, 153 BC A Titus Memmius had been anenvoy of the...
Gains (19 Occurrences)
... gains poverty. (WEB NIV). Proverbs 13:17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble,
but a trustworthyenvoy gains healing. (WEB). Proverbs...
Figure (19 Occurrences)
... chords. 22. (n.) To embellish. 23. (vt) To make a figure; to be distinguished
or conspicuous; as, theenvoy figured at court. 24. (vt...
Envisioned (1 Occurrence)
Employ (6 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To have or keep at work; to give employment or occupation to; to entrust
with some duty or behest; as, to employ a hundred workmen; to employ anenvoy....
Memmius
... Canuleius as sent to Egypt, 162 BC, and again (xxxiii.15) the same Quintus as sent
as an ambassador to Rhodes, 153 BC A Titus Memmius had been anenvoy of the...
Resources
What are the four Servant Songs in Isaiah? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to preach the Word (2 Timothy 4:2)? | GotQuestions.orgEnvoy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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