Bible Encyclopedias
Benefactor

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(εὐεργέτης ). "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors" (Luke 22:25). This word was employed as a title of hora or to kings and princes, corresponding to the Latin pater patriae. Ptolemy Euergetes, king of Egypt, affords an instance of the application of the word in this sense. According to Josephus and Philo, it was frequently applied to the Roman emperors (see Josephus, War, 3, 9, 8; Diod. Sic. 11:26; Xen. Anab. 7, 6, 38)

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Benefactor'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​b/benefactor.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.