Definition of bishop

The word "bishop" has its origins in the 6th century. It is derived from the Greek word "episkopos" (ἐπίσκοπος), which means "overseer" or "guardian". In the New Testament, the Greek word "episkopos" is used to describe the role of Jesus Christ, as well as that of the apostles and elders in the early Christian church. The Latin translation of the New Testament, made by Jerome in the 4th century, used the word "episcopus" to translate "episkopos". This Latin word was then adopted into Middle English as "bischop", and eventually evolved into the modern English word "bishop". Throughout history, the term "bishop" has been used to describe various leaders and officials, including Christian bishops who oversee local churches, as well as secular leaders, such as mayors and governors. Today, the word "bishop" is most closely associated with the Christian clergy, especially in the Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox traditions.