LEADER, designated ruler — the older, less grand word Israel's tradition prefers for the man God appoints over his people, distinct from melekh, 'king.' Samuel anoints Saul as nagid before anyone calls him king; David uses it of Solomon at 1 Kings 1:35 ('it is he whom I have appointed to be leader over Israel and over Judah'). A nagid is designated by someone; a melekh simply reigns. → first discussed at 1 Kings 1:35