Why is God called "King"?

[CutlerB]

Let it be noted that I do understand why we give the Lord the title of “King” in general.

I wondered, however, that since God is Sovereign Ruler of the universe, why don’t we call Him the “Emperor”? Try to eliminate the image from Star Wars popping up in your mind.

Really, why don’t we? Doesn’t it apply quite well?

 

[CruceSignati]

I wondered, however, that since God is Sovereign Ruler of the universe, why don’t we call Him the “Emperor”? Try to eliminate the image from Star Wars popping up in your mind.

Thinking…thinking…nope, sorry, just can’t picture “Emperor” without Star Wars coming to mind. Too much of a nerd I guess.

Quite honestly though, I don’t know what the serious answer is to your question.

 

[bzkoss236]

Let it be noted that I do understand why we give the Lord the title of “King” in general.

I wondered, however, that since God is Sovereign Ruler of the universe, why don’t we call Him the “Emperor”? Try to eliminate the image from Star Wars popping up in your mind.

Really, why don’t we? Doesn’t it apply quite well?

I would say that Emperor kind of implies a dictator rather than a leader. That it implies a violation of free will rather than working with free will of those ruled over.

 

[Allegra]

Maybe when we started calling him the King, there weren’t many emperors around yet?

 

[CutlerB]

I would say that Emperor kind of implies a dictator rather than a leader. That it implies a violation of free will rather than working with free will of those ruled over.

Well, that is not really implied in the title. Kaiser Wilhelm was Emperor of Germany, all of which was a free country. Sure, a position can be misused, but that applies to a King as well.

Maybe when we started calling him the King, there weren’t many emperors around yet?

Possible, but titles can develop, can’t they?

 

[patrick457]

Let it be noted that I do understand why we give the Lord the title of “King” in general.

I wondered, however, that since God is Sovereign Ruler of the universe, why don’t we call Him the “Emperor”? Try to eliminate the image from Star Wars popping up in your mind.

Really, why don’t we? Doesn’t it apply quite well?

Well, I’ve seen some people render basileia tou Theou (traditionally “kingdom/reign of God”) as “empire of God.”

 

[Allegra]

Possible, but titles can develop, can’t they?

Not usually when they are memorialized in Scripture.

 

[CutlerB]

Not usually when they are memorialized in Scripture.

So would it be incorrect to call Him so?

 

[Allegra]

So would it be incorrect to call Him so?

No. But you would probably be asked to clarify yourself fairly often as most people aren’t going to know what you are refering to.