# Of the Signification in Scripture of the Word Church explained — Leviathan

> Chapter companion for Leviathan by Thomas Hobbes.

## What happens

Hobbes examines the various meanings of the word 'Church' in Scripture, distinguishing between its use for a physical building, a lawful assembly, the whole multitude of Christians, and a particular congregation. He defines a Church as a company of men professing Christian religion, united under one civil sovereign, and argues that there is no universal Church on earth with authority over all Christians. He concludes that temporal and spiritual government are inseparable, and that the civil sovereign is the chief pastor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Religion and Civil Authority

Hobbes argues that the civil sovereign must be the head of the Church, rejecting any separate spiritual authority.

### Sovereignty and Absolute Power

The chapter asserts that the sovereign has ultimate authority over both state and religion, and that no other power can command subjects.

## Character check-ins

### Saul

Mentioned as making havoc of the Church (Acts 8:3).

### Jesus Christ

Referred to as the head of the Church.

## Key lines

> There is therefore no other government in this life, neither of state, nor religion, but temporal; nor teaching of any doctrine, lawful to any subject, which the governor both of the state and of the religion forbiddeth to be taught.

In this life, all government—whether of state or religion—is temporal, and no subject may lawfully teach any doctrine that the governor of both state and religion forbids.

_Hobbes denies any distinction between temporal and spiritual government, asserting the sovereign's absolute control over doctrine._

> And that governor must be one; or else there must needs follow faction and civil war in the commonwealth between the 'Church' and 'State'; between 'spiritualists' and 'temporalists'; between the 'sword of justice,' and the 'shield of faith': and, which is more, in every Christian man's own breast, between the 'Christian' and the 'man.'

The governor must be a single authority; otherwise, conflict and civil war will arise between Church and State, and even within each Christian's conscience.

_Hobbes warns that divided authority leads to internal and external strife._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leviathan_se/chapters/xxxix-of-the-signification-in-scripture-of-the-word-church
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leviathan_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/leviathan_se/chapters