### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Κυρία (G2959), transliterated *Kyria*, is explicitly defined as the feminine form of `{{G2962}}` (*kyrios*). While *kyrios* typically means "lord," "master," or "sir," *Kyria* therefore carries the corresponding meaning of "lady," "mistress," or "female owner." The base definition provided for G2959 further specifies its use as a proper name, "Cyria," alongside its common noun usage referring to a "Christian woman." Its semantic range is narrow, primarily denoting a female head of a household, a woman of esteemed standing, or serving as a personal appellation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term Κυρία (G2959) appears exclusively in the New Testament within the Second Epistle of John. It is found twice:
* [[2 John 1:1]]: "The elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth..."
* [[2 John 1:5]]: "And now I ask you, lady, not as though I were writing to you a new commandment, but the one which we have had from the beginning, that we love one another."
The primary interpretive challenge lies in identifying "the elect lady" (ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ). Scholarly opinion generally falls into three main categories:
1. **A specific Christian woman named Kyria:** This view takes "Kyria" as a proper name, with the epithet "elect" signifying her chosen status in Christ. Her "children" would then be her literal offspring. The direct address in [[2 John 1:5]] ("lady, I ask you") could support this personal interpretation.
2. **A specific Christian woman of prominence:** In this understanding, "lady" is a title denoting her social standing or leadership role within a household or community, rather than a proper name. Her "children" would again be her literal family members.
3. **A metaphorical reference to a church congregation:** This interpretation views "the elect lady" as a personification of a local church, and her "children" as its members. This is supported by the common biblical metaphor of the church as a bride or a mother (e.g., Galatians 4:26). The letter's content, which addresses issues of doctrine, hospitality, and fellowship pertinent to a community, lends weight to this view.
Regardless of the precise identification, the context reveals that the "lady" and her "children" are commended for their faithfulness and adherence to truth, and are exhorted to continue in love while discerning and rejecting false teachers.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{G2962}}` (*kyrios*), the masculine counterpart from which *Kyria* is derived. The pervasive use of *kyrios* throughout the New Testament, often referring to God or Christ, highlights the concept of authority, ownership, and mastership. The presence of *Kyria* in the feminine form suggests a parallel, albeit distinct, sphere of influence or authority.
Other related concepts include:
* **Elect** (ἐκλεκτῇ, `{{G1588}}`): This adjective emphasizes the divine choosing of the recipient, whether an individual or a community, underscoring their special relationship with God.
* **Children** (τέκνα, `{{G5043}}`): This term, alongside "lady," is crucial for understanding the scope of the address, referring either to literal offspring or spiritual progeny within a church.
* **Truth** (ἀλήθεια, `{{G225}}`): A prominent theme in 2 John, the "lady" and her "children" are described as those who "walk in truth," emphasizing their doctrinal fidelity and genuine faith.
* **Love** (ἀγάπη, `{{G26}}`): The central commandment reiterated in the epistle, linking truth with practical Christian living.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *Kyria* is intrinsically tied to the identity of "the elect lady."
If "the elect lady" refers to a specific Christian woman, her address by the apostle highlights the crucial role of women in the early church. It affirms their spiritual standing, their capacity for leadership within the household (which often functioned as a house church), and their responsibility in upholding sound doctrine and practicing hospitality. This interpretation underscores the importance of individual believers, regardless of gender, in safeguarding the truth of the Gospel against error.
If "the elect lady" metaphorically represents a local church, then *Kyria* carries profound implications for ecclesiology. It portrays the church as a beloved, chosen entity of God, addressed intimately by an apostle. This emphasizes the corporate identity of believers, their collective responsibility to walk in truth, to love one another, and to exercise discernment against false teachings. The church, like a discerning "lady," is called to protect its "children" (members) from spiritual danger.
In either interpretation, the term, coupled with "elect," points to divine election and the urgent need for spiritual vigilance in an era of emerging heresy. The "lady" (whether individual or church) is presented as a model of faithfulness and is exhorted to persevere in love and truth, thereby fulfilling her divine calling.
### Summary
*Kyria* (`{{G2959}}`) is the feminine form of *kyrios*, meaning "lady" or "mistress," and is also used as a proper name, Cyria. Its sole New Testament occurrence is in the Second Epistle of John, where the apostle addresses "the elect lady and her children" ([[2 John 1:1]], [[2 John 1:5]]). The precise identity of this "lady" is debated, with interpretations ranging from a specific Christian woman (either named Kyria or a woman of standing) to a metaphorical representation of a local church. Regardless of the interpretation, the term signifies a recipient of apostolic esteem and instruction, highlighting the importance of faithfulness, truth, and discernment within the early Christian community. It underscores either the significant role of women in early Christian households and leadership or the corporate identity and divine election of the church. The word embodies the spiritual status and responsibility of the addressed party in maintaining sound doctrine and Christian love.
TRV