### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κατεξουσιάζω (katexousiázō, `{{G2715}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (kata) and the verb ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō, `{{G1850}}`). The root verb ἐξουσιάζω means "to exercise authority," "to have power over," or "to be master of," stemming from ἐξουσία (exousia, `{{G1849}}`), which denotes "authority," "power," or "right." The prefix κατά often intensifies the meaning of the verb, suggesting a complete, forceful, or even oppressive exercise of the action.
Therefore, κατεξουσιάζω conveys a strong, emphatic sense of "exercising full authority over," "lording over," or "holding dominion over." It implies a decisive and often domineering use of power, highlighting not just the possession of authority, but its active and pervasive application. While ἐξουσιάζω can be neutral, the addition of κατά often introduces a negative connotation, pointing to an authority wielded in a manner that is overbearing or exploitative, rather than benevolent or service-oriented.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb κατεξουσιάζω appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring in the Synoptic Gospels and in parallel passages that convey the same critical teaching of Jesus:
* **[[Matthew 20:25]]**: "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles κατεξουσιάζω (exercise authority) over them, and their great men κατακυριεύω (lord it over them).' "
* **[[Mark 10:42]]**: "Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, 'You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles κατεξουσιάζω (exercise authority) over them; and their great men κατακυριεύω (lord it over them).' "
In both contexts, Jesus uses κατεξουσιάζω to describe the manner in which Gentile (non-Jewish) rulers exercise their power. This is presented as a negative example, sharply contrasted with the model of leadership Jesus expects from His disciples. The parallel use of κατακυριεύω (katakyrieuō, `{{G2616}}`), meaning "to lord over" or "to dominate," further emphasizes the oppressive and self-serving nature of this worldly authority. Jesus' teaching here is a direct critique of hierarchical, domineering power structures prevalent in the world, where power is wielded for the benefit of the powerful, rather than for the good of those under authority. The disciples, aspiring to positions of prominence, are being redirected to a radical alternative: servant leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
κατεξουσιάζω is deeply intertwined with several key concepts and other Greek terms:
* **ἐξουσία (exousia, `{{G1849}}`)**: The foundational noun for "authority," "power," or "right." While ἐξουσία itself can be used positively (e.g., God's authority, Jesus' authority), κατεξουσιάζω describes a specific, often negative, *exercise* of that authority.
* **ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō, `{{G1850}}`)**: The base verb, meaning "to exercise authority." The intensifying prefix κατά elevates the degree of control and often introduces the negative nuance of domination.
* **κυριεύω (kyrieuō, `{{G2961}}`)** and **κατακυριεύω (katakyrieuō, `{{G2616}}`)**: Both mean "to be lord over" or "to rule." κατακυριεύω, like κατεξουσιάζω, also uses the intensifying κατά prefix and is used in parallel with κατεξουσιάζω in the Synoptic passages, reinforcing the idea of domineering control.
* **Servant Leadership**: The concept that stands in stark opposition to the type of authority described by κατεξουσιάζω. Jesus immediately follows His critique of Gentile rulers with a call for His disciples to be servants (διάκονος, diakonos, `{{G1249}}`) and slaves (δοῦλος, doulos, `{{G1401}}`) of all. This highlights a fundamental reorientation of power within the Kingdom of God.
* **Humility**: The antithesis of the pride and self-exaltation inherent in "lording over" others.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κατεξουσιάζω lies primarily in its role as a foil against which Jesus defines authentic leadership within His Kingdom. By using this word to describe the worldly exercise of power, Jesus:
1. **Critiques Worldly Power Structures**: He exposes the inherent flaw in human systems of authority that are often driven by self-interest, dominance, and the desire to control others. This form of authority is characterized by its oppressive nature, where the powerful benefit at the expense of the weak.
2. **Redefines Leadership for His Disciples**: In direct contrast to the Gentile rulers who κατεξουσιάζω and κατακυριεύω, Jesus commands His followers: "It shall not be so among you" ([[Matthew 20:26]]; [[Mark 10:43]]). This radical injunction establishes a new paradigm for leadership rooted in service, humility, and self-sacrifice. True greatness in the Kingdom is found not in exercising authority *over* others, but in serving *them*.
3. **Highlights the Nature of God's Authority**: Implicitly, Jesus' teaching contrasts the domineering authority of humans with the benevolent, self-giving authority of God, exemplified perfectly in Jesus Himself, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many" ([[Matthew 20:28]]; [[Mark 10:45]]). God's authority is exercised through love, redemption, and empowering service, not through oppression.
4. **Challenges Human Ambition**: The disciples' request for prominent positions (leading to this teaching) reveals a common human desire for power and recognition. Jesus uses κατεξουσιάζω to dismantle this ambition, redirecting their aspirations from worldly power to Kingdom service.
### Summary
κατεξουσιάζω (katexousiázō, `{{G2715}}`) denotes the strong, often domineering or oppressive, exercise of authority. Appearing only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Synoptic Gospels ([[Matthew 20:25]]; [[Mark 10:42]]), it is used by Jesus to describe the negative example of Gentile rulers who "lord it over" their subjects. This word, intensified by the prefix κατά, stands in stark contrast to the model of servant leadership that Jesus prescribes for His disciples. The theological significance of κατεξουσιάζω lies in its role as a critical lens through which Jesus critiques worldly power structures and redefines true leadership within the Kingdom of God as humble, self-sacrificial service rather than self-serving domination.