### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κυριότης (kyriótēs), Strong's number `{{G2963}}`, derives directly from the more common noun κύριος (kyrios), Strong's number `{{G2962}}`, meaning "lord," "master," or "owner." The suffix -της typically forms abstract nouns indicating a quality or state, or concrete nouns indicating a person or group possessing that quality. Thus, κυριότης fundamentally signifies "lordship," "mastery," or "dominion." Its semantic range extends from the abstract concept of supreme authority and control to the concrete manifestation of that authority, often referring to a class of beings who exercise such dominion, particularly in the spiritual realm. The base definition "mastery, i.e. (concretely and collectively) rulers" captures this dual aspect, emphasizing both the power itself and those who wield it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κυριότης (kyriótēs) appears four times in the New Testament, consistently in contexts related to spiritual powers and authority:
1. **[[Ephesians 1:21]]**: Paul declares that God "raised [Christ] from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion (κυριότης) and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come." Here, κυριότης is listed among various categories of spiritual powers (ἀρχή `{{G746}}`, ἐξουσία `{{G1849}}`, δύναμις `{{G1411}}`), all of which are utterly subordinate to Christ's supreme exaltation. It denotes a class of powerful spiritual beings, over whom Christ holds absolute supremacy.
2. **[[Colossians 1:16]]**: In a profound declaration of Christ's cosmic preeminence, Paul states, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions (κυριότης) or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him." Similar to Ephesians, κυριότης here refers to a specific order within the created spiritual hierarchy (θρόνος `{{G2362}}`, ἀρχή `{{G746}}`, ἐξουσία `{{G1849}}`). The verse emphasizes that these "dominions," despite their power, are not only created by Christ but also exist for His glory, reinforcing His ultimate lordship over all creation.
3. **[[2 Peter 2:10]]**: Describing false teachers, Peter writes, "and especially those who indulge in the lust of defiling passion and despise authority (κυριότης). Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones." In this context, κυριότης refers to the legitimate, divinely established authority that these wicked individuals scorn. Given the parallel "glorious ones" (δόξας), it likely denotes divine or angelic authority, perhaps even God's own sovereign rule, which these deceivers insolently reject.
4. **[[Jude 1:8]]**: Jude's epistle, often paralleling 2 Peter, likewise condemns false teachers: "Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority (κυριότης), and blaspheme the glorious ones." The usage here is virtually identical to 2 Peter 2:10, underscoring the rebellious nature of those who deny the rightful claims of divine or angelic authority. The rejection of κυριότης is presented as a grave sin, indicative of their lawless character.
Across these occurrences, κυριότης consistently points to a sphere of power or those who wield it, whether in the context of Christ's supreme rule over all spiritual beings or the legitimate authority that false teachers spurn.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of κυριότης is rich with terms related to power, authority, and rule.
* **κύριος (kyrios) `{{G2962}}`**: As the root word, it denotes "lord" or "master." Κυριότης is the abstract quality or concrete manifestation of being a κύριος.
* **ἐξουσία (exousia) `{{G1849}}`**: "Authority," "power," "right." Often listed alongside κυριότης, ἐξουσία frequently implies delegated authority or the right to act, whereas κυριότης emphasizes the inherent mastery or dominion.
* **ἀρχή (archē) `{{G746}}`**: "Rule," "principality," "beginning." This term often refers to a position of leadership or the initial source of power, frequently appearing in lists of spiritual powers with κυριότης.
* **δύναμις (dynamis) `{{G1411}}`**: "Power," "ability," "might." While δύναμις focuses on inherent strength or capability, κυριότης refers to the exercise of that power in terms of dominion.
* **θρόνος (thronos) `{{G2362}}`**: "Throne." This concrete symbol of authority is mentioned alongside κυριότης in Colossians 1:16, signifying royal power and dominion.
* **κράτος (kratos) `{{G2904}}`**: "Strength," "power," "dominion." Similar to κυριότης, κράτος can denote effective power and dominion, often attributed to God.
* **δεσποτεία (despoteia) `{{G1203}}`**: "Dominion," "lordship." Derived from δεσπότης (despotēs), "master," this word carries a similar meaning of absolute mastery, often used in reference to God's sovereign rule.
These related terms highlight a nuanced understanding of various aspects of power and authority within the biblical worldview, all ultimately subordinate to the ultimate κυριότης of God and Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κυριότης is profound, particularly in its contributions to Christology and the understanding of spiritual realities:
1. **Christ's Absolute Supremacy**: The most prominent theological implication of κυριότης is its role in articulating the absolute and unrivaled supremacy of Jesus Christ. In Ephesians and Colossians, the inclusion of κυριότης in lists of cosmic powers serves to emphasize that Christ's exaltation places Him far above every conceivable spiritual or earthly authority. He is not merely *a* lord, but *the* Lord, whose dominion (κυριότης) transcends and encompasses all other forms of dominion. This underscores His unique status as Creator and Sustainer of all things, including these powerful spiritual entities.
2. **The Reality of Spiritual Hierarchies**: The repeated mention of κυριότης alongside other terms like "thrones," "principalities," and "authorities" suggests a structured, hierarchical reality within the spiritual realm. While the precise nature of these "dominions" is not fully elaborated, their existence confirms a complex spiritual landscape that is nonetheless entirely subservient to Christ. This provides a theological framework for understanding the unseen forces at work in the cosmos, all created by and subject to the Son.
3. **The Sin of Rebellion Against Divine Authority**: In 2 Peter and Jude, κυριότης takes on a different, yet equally significant, theological weight. Here, it represents the legitimate, divinely established authority that false teachers despise and reject. This highlights the profound sinfulness of insubordination and rebellion against God's order, whether directly against His sovereignty or against those (like angels) who embody His authority. The blasphemy of these "glorious ones" and the rejection of κυριότης underscore a fundamental opposition to the divine will and an embrace of lawlessness. This serves as a stark warning against spiritual pride and antinomianism.
### Summary
The Greek term κυριότης (kyriótēs) signifies "lordship," "mastery," or "dominion," deriving from the word for "lord" (κύριος `{{G2962}}`). Biblically, it refers both to the abstract concept of supreme authority and, more concretely, to a class of powerful spiritual beings or rulers. Its four occurrences in the New Testament consistently highlight key theological truths: first, the absolute and unparalleled supremacy of Jesus Christ over all created spiritual powers, including these "dominions" (Ephesians 1:21, Colossians 1:16); and second, the egregious sin of false teachers who despise and reject legitimate divine or angelic authority (2 Peter 2:10, Jude 1:8). Thus, κυριότης serves to underscore Christ's cosmic lordship and to warn against the dangers of rebellion against God's established order.
TRV