### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kyriótēs**, represented by `{{G2963}}`, refers to **mastery** or a collective of **rulers**. It is translated as **dominion** or **government**. This term appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, primarily in contexts discussing spiritual hierarchies and authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2963}}` is used to describe a rank of spiritual authority. In his letters, Paul lists **dominions** among the invisible orders of beings created by Christ [[Colossians 1:16]]. He also asserts Christ's supreme position "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and **dominion**" [[Ephesians 1:21]]. In contrast, both Peter and Jude use the term to characterize the rebellion of false teachers who "despise **dominion**" [[Jude 1:8]] or "despise **government**" [[2 Peter 2:10]], showing a contempt for established authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used in conjunction with `{{G2963}}` to clarify the scope of spiritual authority:
* `{{G746}}` **archḗ** (a commencement, or chief... principality, rule): This word often appears alongside `{{G2963}}` in lists of spiritual powers, such as in [[Colossians 1:16]] and [[Ephesians 1:21]], denoting a high rank of authority.
* `{{G1849}}` **exousía** (privilege... mastery... delegated influence:--authority... power): This term is frequently paired with `{{G2963}}` to describe the full scope of created authorities in the heavenly realms ([[Colossians 1:16]], [[Ephesians 1:21]]).
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (force... miraculous power... might... strength): This is listed with **dominion** in [[Ephesians 1:21]] to emphasize the comprehensive nature of Christ's supremacy over every form of power.
* `{{G1391}}` **dóxa** (glory... dignity, honour, praise, worship): Used in contrast to the contempt for **dominion**, this word highlights that false teachers not only despise authority but also "speak evil of **dignities**" ([[Jude 1:8]], [[2 Peter 2:10]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2963}}` is significant in defining spiritual realities.
* **Created Spiritual Order:** `{{G2963}}` is part of a vocabulary used to describe a created, invisible spiritual hierarchy. These **dominions**, along with thrones, principalities, and powers, exist as part of God's created order [[Colossians 1:16]].
* **Christ's Absolute Authority:** The term is crucial for establishing Christ's preeminence. He is not just one authority among many; he is the creator of all **dominions** and is seated "Far above" them, demonstrating his ultimate rule [[Ephesians 1:21]].
* **Mark of Apostasy:** Contempt for `{{G2963}}` is identified as a defining trait of false teachers. To "despise **dominion**" is to reject God's established structures of authority, a theme central to the warnings in [[2 Peter 2:10]] and [[Jude 1:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2963}}` provides a specific term for a level of authority within the spiritual realm. While it appears infrequently, its usage is theologically significant, serving both to detail the scope of Christ's creative work and his ultimate supremacy over all powers, and to identify rebellion against such authority as a serious spiritual error. It highlights a structured spiritual reality over which Christ is the absolute master.
TRV