### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κυρόω (kyróō, `{{G2964}}`) derives from the same root as κύριος (kyrios, `{{G2962}}`), meaning "lord" or "master." This etymological connection is crucial, as it immediately imbues κυρόω with a sense of authority and binding power. Its core meaning is "to make authoritative," "to ratify," or "to confirm." It denotes the act of giving legal or binding force to something, rendering it valid, unchangeable, and established. When something is κυρόω, it moves from being a proposal or an idea to a firm, legally recognized, and effective reality. The semantic range thus centers on the concepts of validation, establishment, and confirmation with a strong emphasis on legal or covenantal efficacy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κυρόω appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each instance carries significant weight:
1. **[[Galatians 3:15]]**: "Brothers, I speak in terms of human relations: even a human covenant, once κυρόω (ratified), no one annuls or adds to it."
In this pivotal verse, Paul uses an analogy from human legal practice to underscore the inviolable nature of God's covenant with Abraham. Just as a human will or contract, once legally κυρόω (ratified or confirmed), cannot be unilaterally altered or nullified by a third party, so too God's covenantal promise, once established, remains immutable. The context here is Paul's argument that the Law, which came 430 years after the promise to Abraham, does not annul or supersede that earlier, divinely κυρόω covenant. The emphasis is on the unchangeable and binding nature of a ratified agreement, setting the stage for the superiority and enduring validity of God's promise over the Mosaic Law.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 9:2]]**: "for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been ready since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of them."
The Greek text here uses κυρόω in a slightly different nuance, though still within the semantic field of "confirming" or "making effective." While some translations render it as "stirred up" or "provoked," the underlying sense is that the Corinthians' readiness and zeal for giving were so clearly demonstrated and "confirmed" (made evident and effective) that this very confirmation served to inspire and motivate the Macedonians. Their commitment was not merely an intention but had become an established, manifest reality that had a powerful, authoritative effect on others. It implies that their zeal was not just present but κυρόω – made firm and effective in its impact.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of κυρόω is enriched by examining its relationship to other terms and theological concepts:
* **κύριος (kyrios, `{{G2962}}`)**: The direct etymological root, meaning "lord" or "master." This connection highlights that what is κυρόω is made valid by an authority, ultimately by the Lord Himself in the divine context.
* **διαθήκη (diathēkē, `{{G1242}}`)**: Covenant, testament. This word is central to the discussion in Galatians, where the Abrahamic covenant is the subject of κυρόω. The act of κυρόω transforms a promise into a binding covenant.
* **βεβαιόω (bebaioō, `{{G950}}`)**: To confirm, establish, make firm, guarantee. While similar in outcome (something becomes firm), κυρόω often carries a stronger connotation of legal or formal ratification.
* **ἐγγυάω (engyaō, `{{G1457}}`)**: To give security, guarantee. This word also relates to making something sure, often in a financial or legal sense.
* **Concepts**: Divine faithfulness, covenant theology, the immutability of God's promises, legal efficacy, and the authority of the gospel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κυρόω is profound, particularly in its use in Galatians. It underscores the unchangeable nature of God's covenantal promises.
1. **Divine Immutability and Faithfulness**: In [[Galatians 3:15]], κυρόω emphasizes that God's covenant with Abraham is not a transient agreement but a divinely ratified, immutable promise. This speaks directly to God's faithfulness and the reliability of His word. What God establishes, no one can annul.
2. **The Priority of Grace over Law**: By highlighting the κυρόω nature of the Abrahamic covenant, Paul asserts its priority and enduring validity over the Mosaic Law. Salvation, therefore, comes through faith in the promise, not through works of the Law. The Law serves a different purpose and does not nullify the earlier, ratified covenant of grace.
3. **Christ as the Fulfillment**: While not explicitly stated with κυρόω, the broader context of Galatians points to Christ as the Seed through whom the Abrahamic covenant is fulfilled and its promises κυρόω for all believers. The authority and efficacy of God's promises are ultimately secured in Him.
4. **The Authority of the Gospel**: The gospel, as the message of salvation through faith in Christ, stands as the fulfillment of this κυρόω covenant. It is therefore authoritative, binding, and unchangeable in its truth and power.
In [[2 Corinthians 9:2]], while not directly about a divine covenant, the κυρόω of the Corinthians' zeal for giving reflects a practical outworking of faith and commitment within the community. It suggests that genuine spiritual commitment is not merely internal but becomes κυρόω (established, effective, and influential) in its outward manifestation, inspiring others.
### Summary
κυρόω (`{{G2964}}`) is a powerful Greek verb meaning "to make authoritative," "to ratify," or "to confirm." Rooted in κύριος (`{{G2962}}`), it denotes the act of establishing something as legally binding, valid, and unchangeable. Its limited but significant New Testament occurrences underscore critical theological truths. In [[Galatians 3:15]], it highlights the immutable and enduring nature of God's covenant with Abraham, emphasizing divine faithfulness and the priority of grace over law. In [[2 Corinthians 9:2]], it points to the established and effective nature of Christian commitment that inspires others. Overall, κυρόω speaks to the firm, authoritative, and reliable nature of God's promises and the resulting efficacy of His work in the world.
TRV