[Greek] βασιλικός (basilikos), [Latin] regis: royal official, nobleman, robes, law, royal country; Jn. 4:46,49, Act.12:20-21, Jas. 2:8
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means kingly, ruling, authority, decree, and royal hall. Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound 869 states “She it is who shall give birth to a royal line.” Plato’s Statesman 291e states “They divide the two forms we mention, giving to the two aspects of monarchy: the two names tyranny and royalty.” Xenophon’s Anabasis 1.91 states “Cyrus came to his end, an man who was the most kingly and the most worthy to rule all the Persians.
Old Testament: The monarch arose because of Phillistine pressure. Israel’s national religious identity had already been established. There is no hint of deification of the monarch. The expected king is of the house of David. Jahweh would would build this house forever. The Jews expected a powerful king, not a suffering Messiah as a monarch.
New Testament: This term means royal official, king’s territory, and royal law. The royal official asked Jesus if He could heal his ill son. Jesus healed his son because the royal official had faith in Jesus. The people of Tyre and Sidon was supplied with food from the king’s territory. The royal law according to the scripture is a Mosaic law which comes from God.
Scripture:
“However, if you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’, you are doing well.” Jas.2:8
This refers to Mosaic law which comes from the God, the universal king. Jesus refers to this as greatest and first commandment. So God’s royal law surpasses earthly royal law. This law must and should apply to all persons.
Conclusion:
Basilica, basilican, basilisk, basil, regal
Basil is an herb familiar with Greek authors. It is also known as the “king of herbs” and the “royal herb.” This herb in the past has been used in religious services for embalming. Basil has been used as perfume, incense, and a cooking ingredient.
