The word occurs only once in English Version, viz. as a RV marginal alternative for 'elders' in Ac 20:17; the Gr. presbyteros, which is of frequent occurrence, being otherwise invariably rendered 'elder.' In this case the Revisers doubtless put 'presbyters' In the margin because the passage furnishes one of the leading proofs for the identity of the presbyter or elder with the bishop or overseer (cf. Ac 20:17 with Ac 20:28). For treatment of the subject of the presbyter, see art. Bishop.

J. C. Lambert.