John Calvin on John 4:46

46. And there was a certain courtier. This is a more correct rendering, though Erasmus thinks differently, who has translated βασιλικός by a Latin word, Regulus, which means a little king. “Lequel l’a traduit par un mot Latin Regulus, qui signifie un petit Roy.” I acknowledge indeed that, at that time, they gave the name of Reguli (or, little kings) to those who are now called Dukes, or Barons, or Earls; but the state of Galilee at that time was such that there could be no person of that rank dwelling in Capernaum. I think that he was some nobleman “Quelque gentil-homme.” of the court of Herod; for there is some plausibility in the opinion of those who think that he was sent by Caesar. “Par l’Empereur;” — “by the Emperor.” This is expressly mentioned by the Evangelist, because the rank of this personage made the miracle the more illustrious.