κατακυριεύω

From the study of Matthew 20:25

Range of meaning

Built from kata ('down, against') and kyrieuō ('to be lord, to rule'). It means to be master over, gain control of, subdue or dominate. It can be neutral ('rule over') or describe overpowering someone by force. BDAG gives 'bring into subjection, become master, gain dominion over, subdue; be master, lord it over, rule'.

Against the English

Most modern versions use 'lord it over'. KJV has 'exercise dominion over' and YLT has 'exercise lordship over'. In modern English 'lord it over' sounds like personal arrogance or bossiness. The Greek is about a structure: being the master over others, whether the master is gentle or harsh.

How it drifted

The English idiom 'to lord it over' has come to mean behaving in a superior, overbearing way. That pulls readers toward hearing a complaint about bad manners or bad rulers in particular.

Used elsewhere in the period

The Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) uses it for God's command to humanity to 'subdue' the earth (Gen 1:28). It is used for the land being 'subdued' before the LORD (Num 32:22, 29), for the king who is to 'rule in the midst of your enemies' (Ps 110:2 [LXX 109:2]), and in the prayer 'let no iniquity have dominion over me' (Ps 119:133). In the New Testament, the demon-possessed man 'overpowered' the sons of Sceva (Acts 19:16), and elders are told not to 'lord it over' those in their charge (1 Pet 5:3), which echoes this saying.

From the study of 1 Peter 5:3

Range of meaning

'To become master of, gain dominion over, rule' (BDAG). It is built from kyrios ('lord, master, owner', including the owner of slaves) plus the prefix kata- ('down, against'). In context it can mean simply 'subdue / rule over' (Gen 1:28 LXX, 'subdue the earth'), 'overpower' (Acts 19:16, the possessed man overpowering the sons of Sceva), or using power over people for the ruler's own ends.

Against the English

'Lording it over' (BSB, NIV, NASB, WEB), 'domineering over' (ESV) and 'being lords over' (KJV). All of them catch the core picture of acting as master. 'Domineering' leans harder toward harshness, and the KJV's 'being lords' is more neutral.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) it is used for conquering and ruling: Gen 1:28 and 9:1, Num 32:22, 29, and Ps 110(109):2, 'rule in the midst of your enemies'. In the New Testament it appears in Jesus' saying in Matt 20:25 and Mark 10:42, 'the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them… it shall not be so among you', and in Acts 19:16. Peter's wording almost certainly echoes that saying of Jesus.

From the study of Mark 10:42

Range of meaning

From kyrios ("lord, master, owner") with the prefix kata- ("down, against"). Meanings: to become master of, to subdue, to gain dominion over, to rule over as lord. In many contexts it carries force or domination. BDAG gives "bring into subjection, gain dominion over… be master, lord it over."

Against the English

KJV/YLT "exercise lordship over"; BSB/ESV/NIV/NASB/WEB/NLT "lord it over." "Exercise lordship" can sound like neutral office-holding. "Lord it over" sounds to modern ears like snobbery or bossiness. The Greek is about real political mastery over subject peoples.

How it drifted

The English idiom "to lord it over" has narrowed over time to mean acting superior or domineering in an interpersonal way. The political, ownership sense of being someone's kyrios has largely been lost.

Used elsewhere in the period

Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament): Gen 1:28 "fill the earth and subdue it" (katakyrieusate); Num 32:22, 29 the land "subdued"; Ps 110(109):2 "rule in the midst of your enemies"; Ps 119(118):133 "let no iniquity have dominion over me"; Jer 3:14 "I will be master over you." New Testament: Acts 19:16 the possessed man "overpowered" the sons of Sceva; 1 Pet 5:3 elders are not to rule "as lording it over" those in their charge. That last verse is plainly an echo of this saying.