ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō)
exousiazō
to have authority
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb exousiazō describes the active exercise of authority or power over someone or something. Derived from the noun for "authority" (exousia), it moves beyond simply possessing rights to actually wielding them. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, making its usage in those specific contexts particularly significant.
In Luke 22:25, Jesus uses it to describe how Gentile rulers dominate their subjects, highlighting a hierarchical control that contrasts with his teaching on servant leadership. Paul employs the term in 1 Corinthians 7:4 to explain marital dynamics, stating that a husband has authority over his wife’s body and vice versa. This usage emphasizes mutual submission and ownership within the covenant of marriage.
The word also appears in its passive form in 1 Corinthians 6:12, where Paul argues that not everything is beneficial even if one has the authority to do it. Here, the concept shifts to being under the control of something else. The sources note this term is rare in Scripture but carries a strong sense of decisive mastery or dominion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word exousiazō moves beyond simply holding a title to actively exercising power over another person or thing. In Luke 22:25, Jesus uses this term to describe how secular rulers dominate their subjects, contrasting that heavy-handed control with the servant leadership He calls His followers to practice. This distinction reminds us that true influence in God’s kingdom is not about forcing compliance but serving others with humility and love.
Paul also applies this concept in 1 Corinthians 7:4 to marital relationships, noting that spouses share authority over each other’s bodies. This mutual submission reflects a covenant of respect and care, where neither partner seeks to dominate the other. Instead, they exercise their rights in ways that build up their union and honor God.
Finally, in 1 Corinthians 6:12, Paul warns against being controlled by anything, even when we have the freedom to do it. This passage encourages us to use our liberties wisely, ensuring that our choices strengthen rather than weaken our faith. By reflecting on these verses, we can better understand how to wield influence with grace and integrity in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- has authority over2×
- will be mastered1×
- exercising authority over1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξουσιάζει2×
- ἐξουσιάζοντες1×
- ἐξουσιασθήσομαι1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:25
He said to them, “The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’
Jesus uses this word to contrast worldly domination with servant leadership, highlighting the danger of exercising power for self-aggrandizement.