This word is used in four principal ways; (1) The Jewish elders spoken of throughout the Gospels; (2) Christian elders or bishops (overseers) see Titus 1:5-7; (3) Those advanced in years 1 Peter 5:5., and (4) the twenty-four enthroned elders of the Revelation, typifying doubtless heavenly saints in their character of the royal priesthood of twenty-four courses (see 1 Chron. 24-25.)