This adjective means royal or kingly, describing what pertains to or is worthy of a king. Classical Greek applied it to royal houses, power, and choice items deemed fit for royalty. In the New Testament, it appears in two contrasting contexts: Jesus speaks of those in soft clothing dwelling 'in kings' courts' or 'palaces' (Luke 7:25), while Peter calls believers 'a royal priesthood' (1 Pet 2:9). The word carries connotations of excellence, authority, and special status associated with kingship. First Peter's usage transforms this worldly category into spiritual reality: believers collectively form a priesthood with royal dignity and privilege.