### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb βασιλεύω (basileúō), Strong's Number `{{G936}}`, is derived directly from the noun βασιλεύς (basileús), `{{G935}}`, meaning "king." Therefore, its core meaning is "to act as a king," "to exercise royal authority," "to rule," or "to reign." The definition provided, "to rule (literally or figuratively)," accurately captures its semantic range. It denotes the active exercise of sovereignty, dominion, and effective control. This can apply to human rulers, but more significantly in the New Testament, it extends to abstract concepts personified as having dominion (like sin and grace) and, most profoundly, to the reign of Christ and the participation of believers in that reign. The verb emphasizes the active, ongoing nature of kingship and authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term βασιλεύω appears approximately 21 times in the New Testament, revealing diverse applications:
* **Literal Human Reign:** The verb is used to describe the rule of human monarchs. For instance, [[Matthew 2:22]] states that Archelaus *reigned* over Judea in place of his father Herod. Similarly, in the parable of the minas, the citizens declare, "We do not want this man to *reign* over us" [[Luke 19:14]], and later, "Bring those enemies of mine who did not want me to *reign* over them and slaughter them in front of me" [[Luke 19:27]]. These instances reflect the common understanding of political rule.
* **The Reign of Sin and Grace:** A profound theological application of βασιλεύω is found in Paul's letter to the Romans. In [[Romans 5:21]], Paul declares, "so that, just as sin *reigned* in death, so also grace might *reign* through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Here, both "sin" and "grace" are personified as active, powerful forces exercising dominion. Sin's reign leads to death, highlighting its destructive power over humanity. Conversely, grace's reign, achieved through Christ's righteousness, leads to eternal life, demonstrating God's redemptive power. This concept is reinforced in [[Romans 6:12]], where believers are exhorted, "Therefore do not let sin *reign* in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires." This implies that sin's former dominion can be resisted and broken by believers in Christ.
* **Christ's Reign:** The most significant theological use of βασιλεύω pertains to the kingship of Jesus Christ. [[1 Corinthians 15:25]] states unequivocally concerning Christ's resurrection and future triumph: "For he must *reign* until he has put all his enemies under his feet." This verse underscores Christ's present, active, and eschatological reign, which culminates in the complete subjugation of all opposing powers, including death itself. His reign is one of conquest and ultimate victory.
* **Believers' Co-Regency:** Remarkably, the verb is also applied to believers. In [[Romans 5:17]], Paul writes, "For if, because of one man's trespass, death *reigned* through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness *reign* in life through the one man Jesus Christ." This astounding promise indicates that believers, through Christ, are not merely subjects but participants in a royal dominion over life, overcoming the reign of death. Furthermore, in Revelation, the redeemed are promised to "reign on the earth" [[Revelation 5:10]] and specifically, those who are part of the first resurrection will "reign with him for a thousand years" [[Revelation 20:4]], [[Revelation 20:6]]. These passages speak to the ultimate restoration of humanity's intended dominion and their glorious destiny as co-regents with Christ in His eternal kingdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb βασιλεύω is intimately connected with several key terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{G935}}` βασιλεύς (basileús):** "King." This is the noun from which βασιλεύω is directly derived. The verb describes the *action* of a king.
* **`{{G932}}` βασιλεία (basileía):** "Kingdom," "kingship," "royal power." This is perhaps the most crucial related term. While βασιλεία refers to the realm, the rule, or the authority of a king, βασιλεύω describes the *exercise* of that kingship or the *manifestation* of the kingdom's power. The "kingdom of God" (ἡ βασιλεία τοῦ θεοῦ) is the domain where God's reign (βασιλεύω) is actualized.
* **`{{G2963}}` κύριος (kyrios):** "Lord," "master." This term also denotes authority and dominion, often used for God and Christ, signifying their supreme rule.
* **`{{G2634}}` κατακυριεύω (katakyrieuō):** "To lord over," "to exercise dominion over." This compound verb can sometimes carry a negative connotation of oppressive or forceful rule, contrasting with the benevolent reign often implied by βασιλεύω in the context of Christ and believers.
* **Concepts:** Sovereignty, dominion, authority, rule, kingship, the Kingdom of God, eschatology, redemption, and sanctification.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of βασιλεύω is profound and multifaceted:
* **God's Ultimate Sovereignty:** While the verb is not directly applied to God as "He reigns" in the New Testament (the emphasis is more on "His kingdom coming" or "His kingdom being established"), it inherently undergirds the concept of God's supreme authority and ultimate control over all creation. The reign of Christ and the reign of grace are expressions of God's sovereign will and power.
* **The Kingship of Christ:** Central to Christology, βασιλεύω highlights Jesus' identity as the Messiah-King. His reign is not merely future but is already inaugurated through His resurrection and ascension. He is currently reigning in heaven, subduing His enemies, and His reign will be consummated at His second coming, establishing His eternal kingdom [[1 Corinthians 15:25]]. This reign is one of justice, righteousness, and ultimate victory over all opposing forces.
* **The Power of Sin and Grace:** The personification of sin and grace as reigning powers in Romans 5-6 provides a crucial theological framework for understanding the human condition and God's redemptive work. Sin's dominion is universal and leads to death, demonstrating humanity's fallen state. However, God's grace, through Christ, also reigns, offering a powerful counter-dominion that leads to righteousness and eternal life. This emphasizes the active, transformative power of divine grace in the believer's life.
* **Believers' Participation in Reign:** Perhaps one of the most remarkable theological insights is the promise that believers will "reign in life" [[Romans 5:17]] and "reign with Christ" [[Revelation 5:10]], [[Revelation 20:4]]. This speaks to the restoration of humanity's original mandate to exercise dominion (cf. [[Genesis 1:28]]) and the incredible privilege of co-regency with Christ. It underscores the believer's elevated status and future glory, not as passive subjects, but as active participants in God's eternal kingdom. This future reign is a powerful motivation for perseverance and faithfulness.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The concept of reigning is deeply intertwined with eschatology, pointing to the ultimate triumph of God's purposes, the final defeat of evil, and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells and God's reign is fully manifest.
### Summary
The Greek verb βασιλεύω (basileúō, `{{G936}}`) signifies "to rule" or "to reign," stemming from the word for "king" (`{{G935}}`). Its usage in the New Testament extends beyond literal human monarchs to profound theological concepts. It describes the active, powerful dominion of abstract forces like "sin" and "grace" in [[Romans 5:21]], highlighting their pervasive influence over humanity and the redemptive power of God. Crucially, it defines the present and future kingship of Jesus Christ, who "must reign" until all enemies are subdued [[1 Corinthians 15:25]]. Most remarkably, βασιλεύω also promises that believers, through Christ, will "reign in life" [[Romans 5:17]] and with Him in the eschatological future [[Revelation 5:10]], [[Revelation 20:4]]. Thus, βασιλεύω encapsulates not only the exercise of supreme authority but also the dynamic interplay of spiritual forces and the ultimate destiny of the redeemed in God's sovereign kingdom.
TRV