Κυρία (Kuria)
Kuria
lady
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kyria means "lady" or "mistress," serving as the feminine counterpart to kyrios ("lord"). In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Second Epistle of John. The word identifies the recipient of the letter, referring to her with a title that conveys respect and authority within the early Christian community.
While the term literally denotes a female head of household or a respected woman, its usage here carries significant theological weight. By addressing his audience as "the elect lady," the author links her status to divine election. This pairing suggests that her standing is not merely social but rooted in God’s choice, emphasizing her role as a leader and guardian of the faith.
The brevity of the word’s occurrence highlights its specific function in this context. It does not serve as a general title for all women but points to a particular individual or community represented by one woman. This singular focus underscores the personal nature of the letter’s instruction, directing ethical teaching toward a specific leader responsible for her household or church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word Kuria simply means "lady" or "mistress," serving as the feminine counterpart to the more common title for Lord. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both within the Second Epistle of John. The author uses this term to address a specific woman, likely a respected leader in the early church or a metaphorical representation of a local congregation.
By calling her "the elect lady," the writer connects her social standing directly to God’s choice. This pairing suggests that her authority and role are not merely human appointments but are rooted in divine election. It emphasizes that leadership in the faith community is a gift from God, carrying both responsibility and honor.
This brief usage highlights the personal nature of early Christian instruction. The letter directs ethical teaching toward a specific individual responsible for her household or church. It reminds us that every believer, regardless of gender or status, is chosen by God and called to live out truth in love within their specific context.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lady,1×
- lady1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κυρίᾳ1×
- κυρία,1×
Key Verses
-
II John 1:1
The elder, to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not I only, but also all those who know the truth,
This verse introduces the recipient as "the chosen lady," linking her identity directly to divine election rather than social rank.
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II John 1:5
Now I beg you, dear lady, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.
Here the author repeats the address, using the term to reinforce the personal relationship and the shared commandment of love within the community.