from κατά and κυριεύω; to lord against, i.e. control, subjugate:--exercise dominion over (lordship), be lord over, overcome.
Transliteration:katakyrieúō
Pronunciation:kat-ak-oo-ree-yoo'-o
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατακυριεύω (`{{G2634}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (`{{G2596}}`) and the verb κυριεύω (`{{G2961}}`). The root verb κυριεύω means "to be lord, to rule, to have power over," stemming from κύριος (`{{G2962}}`), "lord" or "master." The prefix κατά often intensifies the meaning of a verb, and in the context of power or dominion, it typically adds a negative nuance, implying a forceful, oppressive, or complete subjugation.
Therefore, the core meaning of κατακυριεύω is to exercise strong, often oppressive, dominion or lordship over someone or something. Its semantic range includes:
* To "lord over" in a domineering or authoritarian manner.
* To "exercise dominion over" with an implication of heavy-handed control.
* To "subjugate" or "overpower" completely, bringing another under one's absolute control.
The "kata" prefix here suggests a movement "down upon" or "against," emphasizing the imposition of power in a way that can be burdensome, abusive, or overwhelming, rather than simply benevolent rule.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κατακυριεύω appears in the New Testament in contexts that primarily critique certain forms of power or describe forceful subjugation.
* **[[Matthew 20:25]] and [[Mark 10:42]]**: These parallel passages are foundational for understanding the negative connotation of κατακυριεύω in Christian ethics. Jesus addresses the ambition of His disciples, stating, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them (κατακυριεύουσιν αὐτῶν), and their great ones exercise authority over them (κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν)." Here, κατακυριεύω describes the worldly model of leadership, characterized by an oppressive or domineering exercise of power. Jesus explicitly contrasts this with the model for His followers: "It shall not be so among you" ([[Matthew 20:26]], [[Mark 10:43]]), advocating instead for humble service. This usage clearly marks κατακυριεύω as a descriptor of an inappropriate, self-serving, and coercive form of authority.
* **[[Acts 19:16]]**: In the account of the seven sons of Sceva, who attempted to exorcise a demon without proper authority, the evil spirit "leaped on them and overpowered them (κατακυριεύσας αὐτῶν) and prevailed against them." This instance illustrates κατακυριεύω in the sense of complete, forceful mastery and subjugation. The spirit gained full and violent control, demonstrating the destructive power of being "lorded over" by malevolent forces.
* **[[1 Peter 5:3]]**: Peter, exhorting elders in the church, writes, "not lording it over (μηδ' ὡς κατακυριεύοντες) those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This echoes Jesus' teaching directly, applying it to spiritual leadership within the nascent church. Elders are warned against exercising domineering or authoritarian control over believers. Instead, their leadership is to be characterized by humble example and selfless service, reinforcing the negative nuance of κατακυριεύω when applied to Christian authority.
Across these occurrences, κατακυριεύω consistently denotes a form of dominion that is characterized by force, oppression, or an inappropriate exercise of power, serving as a cautionary term rather than a descriptor of righteous authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κυριεύω (`{{G2961}}`):** The base verb, meaning "to be lord, to rule." While κυριεύω can describe legitimate or even benevolent rule (e.g., God's sovereignty), the addition of κατά in κατακυριεύω specifically highlights an *abusive* or *domineering* exercise of that power.
* **κατεξουσιάζω (`{{G2715}}`):** Meaning "to exercise authority over," often with a similar negative connotation of oppressive power. It is used in parallel with κατακυριεύω in [[Matthew 20:25]] and [[Mark 10:42]], reinforcing the idea of an illegitimate or inappropriate use of authority.
* **Servant Leadership:** The concept of servant leadership, exemplified by Christ Himself ([[Mark 10:45]], [[Philippians 2:5-8]]), stands in direct antithesis to the "lording over" described by κατακυριεύω. Jesus' teaching redefines power not as domination, but as humble service to others.
* **Humility and Self-Sacrifice:** The call to avoid "lording over" others is inextricably linked to the virtues of humility and self-sacrifice, which are fundamental to Christian discipleship and leadership.
* **Spiritual Authority vs. Worldly Power:** The distinction drawn by Jesus using κατακυριεύω highlights the fundamental difference between the principles governing God's kingdom and those governing worldly systems of power.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κατακυριεύω is profound, primarily serving as a critical lens through which to understand the nature of authority, leadership, and the kingdom of God.
1. **Critique of Worldly Power Structures:** The word functions as a sharp critique of the Gentile, or secular, model of power, where authority is exercised through coercion, dominance, and self-aggrandizement. Jesus' explicit rejection of this model for His followers underscores that the kingdom of God operates on fundamentally different, counter-cultural principles.
2. **Redefinition of Christian Leadership:** For the church, κατακυριεύω defines what Christian leadership *is not*. It is not about wielding power *over* people in an oppressive or controlling manner, but about serving them. This redefinition is radical, turning the world's understanding of "greatness" on its head; true greatness in the kingdom is found in humility, self-sacrifice, and service, mirroring Christ's own example.
3. **Warning Against Abuse of Authority:** The use in [[1 Peter 5:3]] highlights the perennial temptation for spiritual leaders to misuse their God-given authority. It serves as a potent warning against authoritarianism, clericalism, and any form of leadership that seeks to control or dominate rather than shepherd, empower, and nurture the flock.
4. **Nature of Spiritual Bondage:** The instance in [[Acts 19:16]] vividly illustrates the destructive and dominating nature of evil spiritual forces. They seek to "lord over" and subjugate individuals, demonstrating the complete spiritual bondage that can occur when one is not under the true Lordship of Christ.
In essence, κατακυριεύω delineates what is contrary to God's character and His kingdom's values concerning power and authority, serving as a negative theological marker that guides believers toward a more Christ-like exercise of influence.
### Summary
κατακυριεύω (`{{G2634}}`) is a Greek verb meaning to "lord over," "exercise dominion over," or "subjugate," carrying a strong connotation of oppressive or abusive control. Its composition from κατά (down, against) and κυριεύω (to be lord) emphasizes a forceful and often illegitimate imposition of power.
Biblically, the term is most notable for its use by Jesus in [[Matthew 20:25]] and [[Mark 10:42]], where He contrasts the domineering style of Gentile rulers with the humble, servant-oriented leadership expected of His disciples. This negative sense is reinforced in [[1 Peter 5:3]], where elders are explicitly warned against "lording it over" the flock, advocating for leadership by example rather than by coercion. The word also describes the forceful overpowering by an evil spirit in [[Acts 19:16]], illustrating complete and violent subjugation.
Theologically, κατακυριεύω is a crucial term that critiques worldly power dynamics and radically redefines Christian leadership. It condemns authoritarianism and self-serving control, promoting instead a model of humble service and self-sacrifice, mirroring Christ's own example. It serves as a vital warning against the abuse of authority within the church and highlights the oppressive nature of spiritual forces hostile to God's kingdom. Thus, κατακυριεύω stands as a powerful reminder of the ethical imperative for leaders and believers alike to pursue humility and service over domination and control.
TRV