Judge

A judge is an official with authority to decide matters brought before a court. Here, the term refers to legal officials or magistrates. In the Bible, the term can also refer to leaders chosen by God to guide and deliver Israel. For this meaning, see Book of Judges.

Judges handled many kinds of work, mainly legal and judicial matters. At times, they also worked in political matters. In the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the elders of the tribes decided disputes. Later, Moses appointed other judges to help him. He judged only the most difficult cases himself (Exodus 18:13–26; Deuteronomy 1:9–17).

Samuel traveled from place to place to judge cases among the people (1 Samuel 7:16–17). His sons also became judges (8:1). When kings ruled Israel, judges were official leaders with clear roles and duties.

In the New Testament period, there were two types of courts in Palestine: Jewish courts and Roman courts. Cases that could lead to death were heard by Roman judges. People had to bring witnesses to court trials (Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1; 1 Timothy 5:19). Jesus was put on trial before Pontius Pilate, who was the Roman governor (Matthew 27:11–25; Mark 15:2–5; Luke 23:2–3; John 18:29–40). Paul was also put on trial before two Roman governors: Felix and Festus ( (Acts 24:1–26; 25:1–26).

See also Civil Law and Justice; Criminal Law and Punishment.