Brief Overview of αὐθεντέω (G831: authenteō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: authenteō

Root Words: The Greek verb αὐθεντέω (authenteō) derives from αὐθέντης (authentēs), meaning “author” or “one who has power.” The root αὐτό (auto, “self”) and ἔντερος (enteros, “inner”) combined imply the notion of acting with authority or exercising control.

Primary Meanings:

• To Exercise Authority: To act with power or control, often with a connotation of having a dominant or decisive influence.
• To Author or Control: To be the originator or instigator of an action or decision.
• To Assert Dominance: To assume or exercise dominance over someone or something, often with an authoritative or controlling approach.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐθεντέω as “to exercise authority over,” indicating the exercise of control or dominance. It suggests an authoritative or commanding position, often associated with decisiveness or control in a particular context.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐθεντέω as “to have authority over” or “to exercise dominion,” highlighting its use in contexts where someone has control or power over others or situations.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary defines αὐθεντέω as “to exercise authority” or “to control,” emphasizing its usage in contexts where an individual exerts influence or dominance.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a similar definition, noting that αὐθεντέω involves “having authority” or “exercising control,” reflecting its authoritative implications.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies αὐθεντέω as “to dominate” or “to act with authority,” indicating a strong sense of control or power.

Bible Verses:

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• 1 Timothy 2:12 (KJV): “But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.”
• Here, αὐθεντέω is translated as “usurp authority,” referring to the exercise of control or dominance in a context where it is restricted.
• Titus 2:15 (KJV): “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”
• Although not using the exact term αὐθεντέω, the context of exercising authority aligns with its meaning of authoritative control.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: Aristotle uses related terms to discuss authority and control, reflecting the concept of exercising influence or dominance in various contexts.
• Plato: In dialogues, Plato often explores themes of authority and power, closely related to the notion of αὐθεντέω.
• Plutarch: Plutarch’s writings discuss figures who exert control or influence, providing examples of the concept of authoritative action.

4. Summary:

αὐθεντέω (authenteō) refers to the act of exercising authority, control, or dominance. It denotes a position of power where one asserts influence or control over others or situations. This term emphasizes the authoritative or dominant role one can play, as seen in both scriptural and classical Greek contexts. Understanding αὐθεντέω provides insight into how authority and control are conceptualized and applied in various historical and literary settings.