### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κύριος (kýrios) is derived from a root signifying "supremacy," indicating one who holds ultimate power, dominion, and ownership. Its primary meaning is "supreme in authority" or "controller." By implication, it functions as a respectful title, translating to "Master," "Lord," or "Sir." The semantic range of κύριος is remarkably broad, spanning from addressing a human owner or superior (e.g., a slave's master, a landowner, or a respected individual) to the highest divine title ascribed to God and, most significantly in the New Testament, to Jesus Christ. This versatility allows it to convey various levels of authority and honor, from mundane social relations to profound theological declarations of sovereignty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The usage of κύριος in the biblical corpus is extensive and contextually rich. Its significance is deeply rooted in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament, where κύριος is the primary rendering for both the divine covenant name YHWH (`{{H3068}}`) and the title Adonai (`{{H136}}`), which means "my Lord" or "my Master." This established a precedent for κύριος as the preeminent title for God.
In the New Testament, κύριος is employed in several distinct contexts:
* **Human Context:** It is used to refer to a human master of slaves ([[Matthew 10:24]]), an owner of property ([[Matthew 20:8]]), the head of a household ([[Luke 12:36]]), or simply as a respectful form of address, akin to "Sir" or "Mister" ([[John 4:11]]; [[John 20:15]]).
* **Divine Context (God the Father):** Frequently, κύριος refers to God the Father, especially when New Testament authors quote or allude to Old Testament passages that originally referred to YHWH or Adonai ([[Matthew 4:7]], quoting Deuteronomy 6:16; [[Acts 2:34]], quoting Psalm 110:1). This usage affirms God's absolute sovereignty and dominion.
* **Divine Context (Jesus Christ):** This is the most profound and theologically significant application of κύριος in the New Testament.
* **Early Recognition:** Even during Jesus' earthly ministry, disciples and others seeking healing or help addressed Him as "Lord," acknowledging His unique authority and power ([[Matthew 8:2]]; [[Luke 5:8]]).
* **Post-Resurrection Confession:** Following His resurrection, "Jesus is Lord" becomes the foundational confession of Christian faith ([[Romans 10:9]]; [[1 Corinthians 12:3]]; [[Philippians 2:11]]). This confession is not merely an acknowledgment of His humanity or a respectful title, but a declaration of His divine status and sovereignty, echoing the LXX's use of κύριος for YHWH. Thomas's exclamation, "My Lord and my God!" ([[John 20:28]]), powerfully encapsulates this understanding.
* **Cosmic Lordship:** Paul articulates Christ's universal Lordship, declaring Him as the one through whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together ([[Colossians 1:16-17]]). This emphasizes His pre-eminence and authority over the entire cosmos.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κύριος is enhanced by examining its relationship to other biblical terms:
* **Hebrew Equivalents:**
* `{{H3068}}` (YHWH): The personal, covenant name of God, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. The consistent translation of YHWH as κύριος in the LXX is pivotal for the New Testament's application of this title to Jesus, implicitly attributing divine identity to Him.
* `{{H136}}` (Adonai): A title meaning "my Lord" or "my Master," used for both human superiors and, reverentially, for God as a substitute for YHWH.
* **Greek Equivalents/Antonyms:**
* `{{G1203}}` (despotes): Another Greek word for "master" or "lord," often implying absolute power, sometimes with a stronger emphasis on ownership or even despotism. While similar in meaning, κύριος often carries a more honorific or benevolent connotation, especially when applied to God or Christ.
* `{{G1401}}` (douleuo) / `{{G1400}}` (doulos): "To serve" / "slave." These terms stand in direct relational contrast to κύριος. A "lord" has "slaves" or "servants." The relationship between κύριος and δούλος is fundamental to understanding Christian discipleship, where believers are called to be "slaves of Christ," submitting to His Lordship.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κύριος is immense, particularly in its application to both God the Father and Jesus Christ.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** When applied to God the Father, κύριος underscores His absolute dominion, control, and authority over all creation, history, and salvation. He is the ultimate "Lord" of all.
* **Christological Affirmation:** The New Testament's consistent application of κύριος to Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of Christian theology.
* **Deity of Christ:** By bestowing upon Jesus a title primarily reserved for YHWH in the Old Testament, the New Testament authors unequivocally affirm Jesus' divine nature and equality with God. The confession "Jesus is Lord" is, at its core, a declaration of His deity.
* **Messianic Fulfillment:** Jesus' Lordship signifies His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah-King. His Lordship is not merely a title but a manifestation of His power over sin, death, and all opposing forces.
* **Lordship in Salvation:** Salvation is inextricably linked to the confession of Jesus as Lord ([[Romans 10:9]]). This confession implies not only intellectual assent to His identity but also a personal surrender to His authority and a commitment to obey His commands. It is a recognition of His rightful reign over one's life.
* **Eschatological Hope:** Christ's Lordship extends into the future, culminating in the glorious day when "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([[Philippians 2:10-11]]). This vision points to His ultimate triumph and universal recognition of His supreme authority.
### Summary
The Greek word κύριος (kýrios) is a powerful and foundational term in the biblical lexicon, denoting one who is "supreme in authority" or a "controller." Its extensive use in the Septuagint to translate the divine name YHWH (`{{H3068}}`) laid the groundwork for its profound application to Jesus Christ in the New Testament. While it can refer to human masters or respected individuals, its most significant theological weight is found in its use for God the Father, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, and preeminently for Jesus Christ. The confession "Jesus is Lord" is the bedrock of Christian faith, affirming His divine nature, His ultimate authority over all creation, and the believer's willing submission to His reign. This confession encapsulates the core of Christ's identity and His supreme position in salvation history, pointing to His ultimate triumph and universal worship.
TRV