from ἐξουσία; to control:--exercise authority upon, bring under the (have) power of.
Transliteration:exousiázō
Pronunciation:ex-oo-see-ad'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1850}}` (exousiazō) is derived directly from the noun `{{G1849}}` (exousia), which means "authority," "power," "right," or "liberty." As a verb, exousiazō therefore signifies the *exercise* of such authority or power. Its core meaning encompasses "to exercise authority upon," "to have power over," "to control," "to rule over," or "to have the right/permission to do something." The semantic range is broad enough to include both the legitimate possession and exertion of control, as well as the potential for domination or mastery, depending on the context. It can also imply being under the power or control of something or someone.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G1850}}` appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and one instance in the Synoptic Gospels, each context revealing a distinct nuance:
* **[[1 Corinthians 6:12]]**: "All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be exousiazō by anything." Here, the verb is used in the passive voice, meaning "to be brought under the power of" or "to be mastered by." Paul asserts his freedom from being controlled or enslaved by anything, even things that are permissible. This highlights a crucial ethical principle: Christian liberty is not license, but freedom from the mastery of sin or worldly things.
* **[[1 Corinthians 7:4]]**: "For the wife does not have exousiazō over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have exousiazō over his own body, but the wife does." In this significant passage concerning marital relations, exousiazō denotes the mutual authority or right that spouses have over each other's bodies within the covenant of marriage. It emphasizes reciprocal rights and responsibilities, not unilateral domination, underscoring the intimate partnership intended by God.
* **[[Luke 22:25]]**: "And He said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles exousiazō over them; and those who have authority over them are called benefactors.'" Here, exousiazō describes the typical exercise of political or kingly authority, implying dominion or rule. Jesus uses this example to contrast the hierarchical, power-driven leadership of the world with the servant-leadership model He expects from His disciples.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G1849}}` (exousia):** As the root noun, exousia is the most directly related term. While exousia refers to the inherent authority, right, or power, exousiazō is the active verb form, signifying the *exercise* or *application* of that authority.
* **`{{G2961}}` (kyrieuō):** Meaning "to be lord over," "to rule," or "to dominate," kyrieuō often emphasizes mastery or lordship. While it shares semantic overlap with exousiazō in terms of ruling, exousiazō can also carry the nuance of legitimate right or permission, which kyrieuō does not always imply.
* **`{{G2616}}` (katakyrieuō):** This compound verb, meaning "to lord it over" or "to domineer," carries a strong negative connotation of oppressive or abusive domination (e.g., [[Mark 10:42]], [[Acts 19:16]]). Unlike katakyrieuō, exousiazō is not inherently negative; its moral valence is determined by the context and the nature of the authority being exercised.
* **`{{G1413}}` (dynamis):** Referring to inherent power, strength, or ability, dynamis is distinct from exousia (authority/right). exousiazō is the act of exercising exousia, which may or may not be directly tied to dynamis, though often the ability to exercise authority implies some form of power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1850}}` (exousiazō) is profound, touching upon core aspects of Christian ethics, relationships, and leadership:
* **Christian Liberty and Mastery:** The use of exousiazō in [[1 Corinthians 6:12]] is a powerful statement on Christian freedom. It highlights that true liberty in Christ is not merely freedom *from* external regulations, but freedom *from* the internal slavery to any created thing. Believers are called to exercise discernment and self-control, ensuring that no habit, desire, or even lawful activity gains such mastery that it compromises their devotion to God. This underscores the need for believers to live under the authority of Christ alone.
* **Reciprocity in Marriage:** The application of exousiazō to the marital relationship in [[1 Corinthians 7:4]] provides a counter-cultural perspective on spousal roles. By stating that neither spouse has exclusive authority over their own body but rather a mutual exousiazō over the other's, Paul emphasizes a partnership of equality and reciprocal submission within the marital covenant. This challenges hierarchical models that promote unilateral dominion, advocating instead for a relationship built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and loving service.
* **Servant Leadership vs. Worldly Dominion:** Jesus' use of exousiazō in [[Luke 22:25]] to describe Gentile rulers serves as a stark contrast to the nature of leadership in His kingdom. While worldly leaders "exercise authority" through domination and power, Christ calls His disciples to a radical model of servant leadership, where greatness is found not in lording over others but in humble service. This distinction is foundational to Christian ecclesiology and ethics, emphasizing self-sacrifice and humility over worldly ambition.
* **The Nature of Authority:** The word itself is neutral, but its usage reveals biblical perspectives on both legitimate and illegitimate forms of authority. It can describe God-given authority (as implied in the marital context or even the general concept of governmental authority) and also the potential for that authority to be misused or become a form of spiritual bondage.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1850}}` (exousiazō), derived from `{{G1849}}` (exousia), fundamentally means "to exercise authority," "to have power over," or "to control." Its sparse but impactful occurrences in the New Testament reveal significant theological truths. In [[1 Corinthians 6:12]], it warns against allowing anything to gain mastery over a believer's life, even if lawful, thereby safeguarding Christian liberty. [[1 Corinthians 7:4]] uniquely applies exousiazō to the mutual, reciprocal authority within the marital relationship, emphasizing partnership and shared responsibility. Lastly, [[Luke 22:25]] contrasts the worldly exercise of dominion with the servant-hearted leadership exemplified and commanded by Christ. Thus, exousiazō serves as a key term for understanding biblical perspectives on personal freedom, marital dynamics, and the distinctive nature of authority within God's kingdom.
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