κατακυριεύω (katakurieuō)
katakurieuō
to master
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katakurieuō describes exercising absolute dominion or mastering someone through force. It appears only four times in the New Testament, notably in the Gospels when Jesus contrasts secular rule with his kingdom’s values. In Matthew 20:25 and Mark 10:42, he notes that Gentile rulers lord it over their subjects, using this term to highlight a harsh reality of worldly power.
Its root combines kata ("down") and kyrios ("lord"), suggesting the act of bringing someone under one’s control. Peter uses it in 1 Peter 5:3 to warn church leaders against dominating those entrusted to them, urging instead voluntary service. This usage underscores that true leadership in God’s kingdom rejects coercion.
The word carries a strong sense of subjugation, often implying oppression rather than benevolent authority. Its rarity in Scripture emphasizes the seriousness with which such power dynamics are viewed. Translators typically render it as "lord it over" or "exercise authority," capturing its weighty, controlling nature.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katakurieuō paints a stark picture of power used to crush others. It describes rulers who treat people as subjects to be dominated rather than individuals to be served. When Jesus mentions this in Matthew and Mark, He is not describing how His followers should lead. Instead, He points out the heavy burden of worldly control that oppresses those beneath it.
In 1 Peter 5:3, the apostle warns leaders against using this kind of force over believers. True spiritual authority does not rely on fear or coercion. It grows from humility and service. When we reject the urge to dominate, we create space for trust and genuine community to flourish among us.
This teaching invites us to examine our own interactions. Do we seek to control outcomes or people? Or do we serve with a gentle spirit? Choosing to lead by example rather than force reflects the heart of Christ. It offers a path where dignity is preserved and relationships are healed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- exercise lordship over2×
- having overpowered1×
- exercising lordship over1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατακυριεύουσιν2×
- κατακυριεύσας1×
- κατακυριεύοντες1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 20:25
But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
Jesus uses this word to define the harsh reality of secular power that contrasts sharply with the humility required in His kingdom.
-
Mark 10:42
Jesus summoned them and said to them, “You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.
The parallel account reinforces how Gentile rulers lord it over their subjects, highlighting the oppressive nature of this dominance.
-
I Peter 5:3
not as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.
Peter explicitly forbids church leaders from using this controlling authority over the flock, urging them to serve as examples instead.