### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κυριεύω (kyrieúō), Strong's number `{{G2961}}`, is derived directly from the noun κύριος (kyrios), Strong's number `{{G2962}}`, meaning "lord," "master," or "owner." At its core, kyrieúō signifies the active exercise of the role of a kyrios.
Its primary meaning is "to rule," "to have dominion over," or "to be lord of." The semantic range extends to:
* **Active Control:** To govern, to manage, to hold sway.
* **Mastery:** To subdue, to overcome, to gain control over something or someone.
* **Possession and Authority:** To exercise the rights and powers inherent in ownership or a position of authority.
* **Sovereignty:** To be in a position of supreme power or ultimate control.
The term always implies a hierarchical relationship, where one entity holds power or authority over another.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of kyrieúō in the New Testament illuminate its various applications and theological nuances:
* **Romans 6:9, 14:** Paul uses kyrieúō to describe the dominion of death and sin. "For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him" [[Romans 6:9]]. And crucially, "For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace" [[Romans 6:14]]. These verses highlight the powerful, enslaving nature of sin and death, which Christ has definitively overcome, and from which believers are liberated.
* **Romans 7:1:** "Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives?" [[Romans 7:1]]. Here, kyrieúō describes the binding authority of the law, which ceases upon death, setting the stage for Paul's argument about the believer's death to the law in Christ.
* **Romans 14:9:** "For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living" [[Romans 14:9]]. This is a pivotal use, unequivocally declaring Christ's universal kyrieúō (lordship/dominion) over all humanity, established by His resurrection. His authority is absolute and encompasses all existence.
* **2 Corinthians 1:24:** "Not that we lord it over your faith, but rather are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand firm" [[2 Corinthians 1:24]]. Paul uses kyrieúō in the negative, disavowing any intention to exercise oppressive or controlling authority over the Corinthians' faith. This emphasizes a principle of servant leadership, where apostles are not domineering masters but co-laborers.
* **1 Peter 5:3:** "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock" [[1 Peter 5:3]]. Similar to Paul's usage, Peter instructs elders not to kyrieúō (exercise lordship) over the flock. This is a direct command against authoritarianism and an encouragement for humble, exemplary leadership within the church.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding kyrieúō is enhanced by examining its relationship to other significant Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **κύριος (kyrios) `{{G2962}}`:** The foundational noun, meaning "lord," "master," or "owner." kyrieúō is the dynamic action of being a kyrios.
* **ἐξουσία (exousia) `{{G1849}}`:** Authority, power, right. While kyrieúō describes the *act* of ruling, exousia refers to the *legitimate right* or *capacity* to rule. One who kyrieúō typically possesses exousia.
* **δεσπότης (despotes) `{{G1203}}`:** Master, absolute ruler, sovereign. Often implies a more absolute or even harsh form of mastery, especially in secular contexts. kyrieúō can be the action of a despotes.
* **βασιλεύω (basileuō) `{{G936}}`:** To reign, to be king. This term specifically denotes royal rule, whereas kyrieúō is broader, encompassing any form of lordship or dominion, not necessarily monarchical.
* **ἀρχή (archē) `{{G746}}`:** Rule, beginning, principality. Can refer to the act of ruling or a position of authority.
* **δυναστεύω (dynasteuō) `{{G1413}}`:** To be powerful, to exercise power. Shares the idea of exercising power, but kyrieúō specifically ties it to the concept of being a lord or master.
* **Dominion:** The concept of having power and control over something or someone.
* **Sovereignty:** Supreme power or authority, especially over a state or territory.
* **Authority:** The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of kyrieúō is profound, touching upon divine attributes, Christology, soteriology, and ecclesiology.
* **Divine and Christological Lordship:** The most exalted use of kyrieúō is in affirming the absolute dominion of God and, preeminently, of Jesus Christ. Christ's resurrection is presented as the basis for His universal kyrieúō over all creation, both living and dead ([[Romans 14:9]]). This establishes His supreme authority as Lord of all, a cornerstone of Christian confession and worship.
* **Liberation from Sin's Dominion:** A central theme in Paul's theology is the believer's freedom from the kyrieúō of sin and death ([[Romans 6:14]]). Through identification with Christ's death and resurrection, believers are no longer enslaved to sin's power but live under the liberating reign of grace. This highlights the transformative power of the Gospel.
* **Ethical Implications for Human Authority:** The negative uses of kyrieúō in relation to human leaders ([[2 Corinthians 1:24]], [[1 Peter 5:3]]) provide a crucial ethical framework for Christian leadership. They strongly condemn authoritarianism, oppressive control, and the abuse of power within the church. Instead, Christian leaders are called to model Christ's servant-hearted leadership, exercising influence through humility, example, and service, rather than lording it over those entrusted to their care. This distinction is vital for understanding the nature of authority in God's kingdom.
* **Submission to Righteousness:** If sin is no longer to kyrieúō over believers, then righteousness and God's will are to assume that dominion. The shift in lordship from sin to Christ demands a corresponding change in allegiance and behavior.
### Summary
The Greek verb κυριεύω (kyrieúō), `{{G2961}}`, derived from κύριος (kyrios), `{{G2962}}`, fundamentally denotes "to rule," "to have dominion over," or "to be lord of." Its usage in the New Testament highlights several critical theological truths. It powerfully affirms the absolute and universal kyrieúō of Jesus Christ, established through His resurrection, over all creation, including the living and the dead ([[Romans 14:9]]). A key aspect of redemption is the believer's liberation from the kyrieúō of sin and death, signifying a transfer of allegiance from sin's enslaving power to the liberating reign of grace ([[Romans 6:14]]). Furthermore, kyrieúō serves as a potent warning against the abuse of power by human leaders within the church, emphasizing that true Christian authority is characterized by humble service and exemplary living, rather than "lording it over" others ([[2 Corinthians 1:24]], [[1 Peter 5:3]]). Thus, kyrieúō encapsulates both the majestic sovereignty of God and the ethical imperative for His followers to exercise authority in a manner consistent with Christ's self-sacrificial Lordship.
TRV