Definition of divine right

divine rightnoun

quyền thiêng liêng

/dɪˌvaɪn ˈraɪt//dɪˌvaɪn ˈraɪt/

The phrase "divine right" emerged during the 16th and 17th centuries when there was a growing debate about the source of political power. Proponents of the divine right theory believed that monarchs derived their authority directly from God and were, therefore, above the law and subject to no earthly authority. The concept was based on the idea that God, as the ultimate sovereign, had chosen certain individuals to rule over their people, thus granting them the divine right to govern. This view was reinforced by religious texts, such as the Bible, which described kings and queens as having been anointed by God and invested with his blessings. The notion of divine right was widely accepted in Europe during this time, particularly in England, where it was influential in shaping the constitutional principles of the English monarchy. The belief in divine right also contributed to the governance of other European countries, such as France, Holland, and Austria. However, as the Enlightenment ideas spread throughout Europe, the debate over divine right intensified. Philosophers, such as John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Voltaire, challenged the theory by arguing that political authority derived its legitimacy from the people and not from God. As a result, the divine right doctrine gradually declined, leading to the development of modern constitutionalism and the rule of law. In summary, the origin of the term "divine right" can be traced back to the belief that monarchs hold their power directly from God, which was prevalent in Europe during the early modern period.

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the belief that the right of a king or queen to rule comes directly from God rather than from the agreement of the people

niềm tin rằng quyền cai trị của một vị vua hoặc nữ hoàng đến trực tiếp từ Chúa chứ không phải từ sự đồng ý của người dân

Example:
  • the old idea of the divine right of kings

    ý tưởng cũ về quyền thiêng liêng của các vị vua

a right that somebody thinks they have to do something, without needing to ask anyone else

quyền mà ai đó nghĩ rằng họ phải làm điều gì đó, mà không cần phải hỏi bất kỳ ai khác

Example:
  • No player has a divine right to be in this team.

    Không có cầu thủ nào có quyền thiêng liêng để có mặt trong đội bóng này.

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