κατεξουσιάζω (katexousiazō)
katexousiazō
to rule
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb katexousiazō means to exercise authority or wield power over someone. It is a strong term that describes the active use of control, derived from roots meaning "authority" and "over." In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark (Matthew 20:25; Mark 10:42).
Jesus uses this word to describe how secular leaders operate. He contrasts their style of ruling with the service-oriented leadership He calls His followers to adopt. The sources note its synonymity with katakyrieuō, another verb for dominating or lording over others. This highlights a clear distinction between worldly power structures and the kingdom ethic Jesus teaches.
By placing this word in the context of discipleship, Jesus redefines greatness. He does not deny that authority exists but redirects its purpose. The term serves as a foil for His teaching on humility, showing that true leadership in His community looks nothing like the domination practiced by Gentile rulers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word katexousiazō describes a heavy kind of control, where one person uses their position to dominate others. Jesus mentions this in Matthew and Mark not to approve of it, but to show us what leadership should not look like. In the world, power often means forcing your will on those below you. This creates distance and fear rather than trust and love.
For your daily life, this word is a gentle warning. It reminds us that true influence comes from serving, not from holding people down. Whether you are leading a team or caring for family, the call is to lift others up. Jesus invites us into a different way of being great—one defined by humility and care for those we lead.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- exercise authority over2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κατεξουσιάζουσιν2×
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.
This verse highlights the contrast between worldly dominance and the servant heart Jesus demands from His followers.
-
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.
Here the word underscores how secular rulers use authority to control, setting the stage for Jesus' teaching on service.