ziknei

Ziknei is the Hebrew term meaning “elders” (singular zaken; plural form ziknei or zikneim in some transliterations). The word derives from the root zaken, meaning old or senior. In Hebrew, ziknei denotes people who hold positions of age, wisdom, or authority within a community, and it appears in both ancient and modern usage.

In the Hebrew Bible, ziknei repeatedly refer to leaders of cities, tribes, or the people who perform judicial and advisory roles. They often act as witnesses, arbiters of disputes, and participants in important communal decisions. The phrase “the elders of Israel” appears in various narratives and legal texts, highlighting their central place in governance and social order in biblical times.

In rabbinic literature, ziknei continues to signify respected elders and teachers whose opinions carry authority. The term is used to describe jurists and community leaders who guide religious practice, interpret laws, and broker agreements. The concept emphasizes experience, tradition, and communal continuity.

In modern Hebrew, ziknei remains a common word for elders or elder councils. It can refer to the older generation of a family or community and is often found in formal or ceremonial contexts, such as councils of elders or advisory bodies within synagogues or towns.

See also: Elders (biblical council), Sanhedrin, Jewish religious leadership.