βασιλεύω (basileuō)
basileuō
to reign
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 18 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb basileuō means to reign or exercise kingly power. In the New Testament it describes the active rule of God and Christ, as when Gabriel announces that Jesus will reign over the house of Jacob (Luke 1:33). It also appears in Revelation to describe God’s eternal sovereignty (Revelation 11:15) and the future reign of believers alongside Christ (Revelation 20:4).
Paul uses the word metaphorically to describe how sin and death once held dominion over humanity, contrasting this with the grace that enables believers to reign in life (Romans 5:14, 17). The term carries a sense of authoritative control rather than passive existence. Translators usually render it as "reign" or "rule," preserving its royal connotations without implying earthly political office.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word βασιλεύω brings to mind active authority rather than a passive title. In Scripture, it describes the dynamic rule of God and Christ, reminding us that Jesus is not merely a figure from the past but the living King who governs history. When Gabriel announced that He would reign over the house of Jacob forever, this promise anchored the hope of all believers in His unshakeable sovereignty.
Paul uses this term to highlight a profound shift in our spiritual lives. While sin once held dominion, those who receive grace are invited to reign in life through Jesus Christ. This is not about earthly power but about the freedom and authority believers have to live under God’s lordship, resisting the old patterns of death and embracing the new life found in Him.
This truth offers comfort in times of uncertainty. Knowing that God reigns means His purposes will ultimately prevail. We can trust that our lives are held by a King whose rule is eternal and just, inviting us to rest in His care and participate in His kingdom work today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 18 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to reign3×
- reigned3×
- will reign2×
- they will reign2×
- He will reign2×
- you reigned;1×
- you did reign,1×
- they reigned1×
- should reign1×
- rules1×
- may reign1×
- has reigned1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐβασίλευσεν4×
- βασιλεύσουσιν4×
- βασιλεῦσαι2×
- βασιλεύσει2×
- ἐβασίλευσας.1×
- ἐβασίλευσαν1×
- ἐβασιλεύσατε·1×
- ἐβασιλεύσατε,1×
- βασιλεύσῃ1×
- βασιλεύειν1×
- βασιλεύει1×
- βασιλευόντων1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:33
and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”
This verse establishes the eternal scope of Jesus' reign, confirming that His rule over God's people has no end.
-
Romans 5:17
For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.
Paul contrasts the dominion of death with the believer's new authority to reign in life through grace and righteousness.
-
Revelation of John 11:15
The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!”
This declaration marks the transition where God's kingdom fully supersedes all earthly powers, affirming His eternal sovereignty.
-
Revelation of John 20:4
I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and such as didn’t worship the beast nor his image, and didn’t receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.
It describes the future hope of believers reigning with Christ, highlighting their shared victory and authority in the millennial kingdom.