The term elders is used in various ways in the Bible. In many instances in the O.T. it has reference to the older men in a tribe, usually entrusted with the governmental affairs. Their age and experience made their counsel sought often. This was not necessarily a priesthood calling. Gen. 50: 7, Ruth 4: 2, Matt. 15: 2, and Acts 4: 5 are examples of this usage.

There were ordained elders in the Melchizedek Priesthood in O.T. times, as in Ex. 24: 9-11 and Num. 11: 16. Among the Nephites there were also ordained elders in the priesthood (Alma 4: 7, 16; Alma 6: 1; Moro. 3: 1; Moro. 4: 1; Moro. 6: 1, 7). In the N.T., elders are mentioned as priesthood offices in the church (Acts 14: 23; 1 Tim. 5: 1, 17, 19; James 5: 14-15). The term ELDER as used in the N.T. is from the Greek presybter. The detailed duties of the ordained elders in the Church today have been defined by latter-day revelation (D&C 20: 42-45; D&C 42: 44-52; D&C 46: 2; D&C 107: 12).

Elder is the proper title given to all holders of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Thus an apostle is an elder in this sense, and it is proper to speak of members of the Quorum of the Twelve or the First Quorum of the Seventy by this title (D&C 20: 38; cf. 1 Pet. 5: 1; 2 Jn. 1: 1; 3 Jn. 1: 1).

See also Ministry.