κύριος (kurios)
kurios
lord: God
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 688 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word kurios denotes one who possesses authority or ownership, functioning as a title for a master, lord, or sovereign. In everyday usage, it identifies a person with control over others, such as a householder over servants or a husband over his wife. The term also served as a standard respectful address for officials and teachers, reflecting the social hierarchy of the ancient world where power was concentrated in the hands of a few.
In Scripture, kurios carries profound theological weight because it is the primary translation of the divine name YHWH in the Greek Old Testament. This connection allows New Testament writers to apply the title directly to Jesus, as seen when Thomas addresses the risen Christ with "My Lord" (John 20:28) or when early Christians confess "Jesus is Lord" (1 Corinthians 12:3). By using this term for both God and Jesus, the texts affirm a shared divine authority that transcends human titles.
The significance of kurios lies in its ability to bridge the gap between earthly power and divine sovereignty. While it acknowledges the right of a master to command, it ultimately points to the supreme control held by God over creation and history. This dual usage highlights the central Christian claim that the authority belonging to God is fully present in the person of Jesus Christ.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kurios carries a weight that stretches from the humblest servant to the highest throne. In the ancient world, it marked ownership and authority, but in Scripture, it becomes the bridge between human need and divine power. When we call Jesus Lord, we are not offering a polite greeting; we are acknowledging His right to guide our steps and heal our brokenness.
This title invites us into a relationship of trust. It reminds us that the One who holds all authority also cares for the details of our lives. Whether you face uncertainty or find joy in obedience, this word assures you that your life rests in capable hands. You are never alone, because the Lord is present in every season.
As you read Scripture, notice how often people turn to Him in their deepest struggles. They do not hesitate to ask for help, knowing He has the power to respond. This confidence is yours too. Let this truth anchor your heart, bringing peace that goes beyond understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 688 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Lord300×
- Lord,88×
- [the] Lord67×
- of [the] Lord41×
- master41×
- Lord.34×
- Lord;28×
- [the] Lord,14×
- Sir,12×
- [the] Lord.10×
- the Lord8×
- Lord?8×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κυρίου205×
- κύριος136×
- κύριε,87×
- κυρίῳ67×
- κύριον46×
- κυρίου,19×
- κύριε18×
- κύριος,17×
- κύριος·13×
- κύριός12×
- κυρίου.11×
- κύριον,10×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Jesus clarifies that true discipleship requires active obedience to the Father's will, not merely verbal acknowledgment of His authority.
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Matthew 8:8
The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.
The centurion demonstrates profound humility by recognizing Jesus' absolute power to heal from a distance without physical presence.
-
Matthew 12:8
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
This declaration establishes Jesus' divine sovereignty over religious institutions and time itself, affirming His identity as the Son of Man.
-
Matthew 1:20
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take to yourself Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
The angel's message reveals that the child in Mary's womb originates from the Holy Spirit, establishing Jesus' unique divine sonship.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does kurios mean in the New Testament?
How is kurios different from other words for master?
Why do Christians confess Jesus as Lord?
Every Occurrence (688 verses across 25 books)
Matthew 76 verses
But when he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son…
Matthew 1:22Now all this has happened that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying,
Matthew 1:24Joseph arose from his sleep, and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took his wife to himself;
Matthew 2:13Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the…
Matthew 2:15and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet,…
Matthew 2:19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying,
Matthew 3:3For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make the…
Matthew 4:7Jesus said to him, “Again, it is written, ‘You shall not test the Lord, your God.’”
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 5:33“Again you have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, ‘You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the…
Matthew 6:24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one…
Matthew 7:21“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of my…
Matthew 7:22Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your…
Matthew 8:2Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
Matthew 8:6saying, “Lord, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.”
Matthew 8:8The centurion answered, “Lord, I’m not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be…
Matthew 8:21Another of his disciples said to him, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.”
Matthew 8:25The disciples came to him and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!”
Matthew 9:28When he had come into the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do…
Matthew 9:38Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out laborers into his harvest.”
Matthew 10:24“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his lord.
Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the…
Matthew 11:25At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…
Matthew 12:8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
Matthew 13:27The servants of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, didn’t you sow good seed in your field? Where did these…
Matthew 13:51Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They answered him, “Yes, Lord.”
Matthew 14:28Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters.”
Matthew 14:30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 15:22Behold, a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My…
Matthew 15:25But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
Matthew 15:27But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”
Matthew 16:22Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.”
Matthew 17:4Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let’s make three tents here: one…
Matthew 17:15“Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is epileptic and suffers grievously; for he often falls into the fire, and often…
Matthew 18:21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven…
Matthew 18:25But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and…
Matthew 18:26The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’
Matthew 18:27The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.
Matthew 18:31So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was…
Matthew 18:32Then his lord called him in and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me.
Matthew 18:34His lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him.
Matthew 20:8“When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages,…
Matthew 20:30Behold, two blind men sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 20:31The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 20:33They told him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.”
Matthew 21:3If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and immediately he will send them.”
Matthew 21:9The multitudes who went in front of him, and those who followed, kept shouting, “Hosanna to the son of David! Blessed…
Matthew 21:30He came to the second, and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I’m going, sir,’ but he didn’t go.
Matthew 21:40When therefore the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?”
Matthew 21:42Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The stone which the builders rejected was made the head of…
Matthew 22:37Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’
Matthew 22:43He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying,
Matthew 22:44‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?
Matthew 22:45“If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”
Matthew 23:39For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Matthew 24:42Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.
Matthew 24:45“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due…
Matthew 24:46Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes.
Matthew 24:48But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’
Matthew 24:50the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it and in an hour when he doesn’t know it,
Matthew 25:11Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’
Matthew 25:18But he who received the one talent went away and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money.
Matthew 25:19“Now after a long time the lord of those servants came, and settled accounts with them.
Matthew 25:20He who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five…
Matthew 25:21“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you…
Matthew 25:22“He also who got the two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another…
Matthew 25:23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you…
Matthew 25:24“He also who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you that you are a hard man, reaping where you…
Matthew 25:26“But his lord answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn’t sow, and gather where…
Matthew 25:37“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a…
Matthew 25:44“Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick,…
Matthew 26:22They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask him, “It isn’t me, is it, Lord?”
Matthew 27:10and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.”
Matthew 27:63saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…
Matthew 28:6He is not here, for he has risen, just like he said. Come, see the place where the Lord was lying.