κυβέρνησις (kubernēsis)
kubernēsis
administration
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kubernēsis literally means steering or piloting, derived from a root related to guiding a ship’s course. In secular Greek it described the practical skill of navigation, but in the New Testament it appears only once, carrying a metaphorical weight that shifts the image from water to community.
This single occurrence is found in 1 Corinthians 12:28, where Paul lists "administrations" (or governments) as a distinct spiritual gift. Here the word does not refer to political rule or bureaucratic management. Instead, it describes the ability to guide and organize the collective life of the church with the same steady hand a pilot uses to navigate changing waters.
The term highlights that leadership in the early Christian community was viewed as a form of guidance rather than domination. By using a nautical metaphor, Paul emphasizes that this gift requires foresight, stability, and a focus on direction, ensuring the body moves together toward its intended destination under divine oversight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kubernēsis paints a vivid picture of spiritual leadership as steering rather than commanding. In the ancient world, a kubernetes was the helmsman who kept the ship on course through unpredictable waters. Paul uses this image in 1 Corinthians to describe those gifted with 'administrations.' This is not about corporate hierarchy or political power, but the quiet, steady ability to guide a community toward its shared purpose.
For your own life, this reminds us that effective leadership is often invisible. It involves foresight, stability, and a focus on direction. When you see someone organizing events or guiding decisions with grace, recognize that as a gift from God. It helps the body of Christ move together without drifting. This perspective invites us to value those who serve behind the scenes, ensuring we all reach our destination safely.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- administrating,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κυβερνήσεις,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 12:28
God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.
This is the only New Testament occurrence, where Paul places 'governments' alongside apostles and teachers to show that guiding the community is a foundational spiritual gift.