Brief Overview of κατεξουσιάζω (Strong’s G2715: katexousiazō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for accurately interpreting the New Testament and appreciating the cultural and social dynamics of ancient Greek society. The Greek word κατεξουσιάζω (katexousiazō), which translates to “exercise authority over” or “domineer,” is significant because it sheds light on power dynamics and leadership styles. It is especially relevant in interpreting New Testament passages that discuss leadership, authority, and relationships within the Christian community and the broader society.

Key Information

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The Greek word is κατεξουσιάζω (katexousiazō), pronounced [ka-tex-ou-si-A-zo].

The etymology of κατεξουσιάζω comes from two root words: κατά (kata), meaning “down,” “against,” or “intensively,” and ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō), which derives from ἐξουσία (exousia), meaning “authority” or “power.” Together, they form a verb that implies exerting authority over someone in a domineering or controlling manner.

κατεξουσιάζω is a verb. It follows the standard Greek conjugation patterns for verbs, which includes different forms for tense, voice, mood, person, and number. This verb is primarily used in the New Testament in contexts that address leadership, authority, and the misuse or abuse of power.

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Primary Meanings

To Domineer: The primary meaning of κατεξουσιάζω is “to domineer” or “to exercise dominion over.” It often conveys a negative connotation of ruling or governing in an overbearing or oppressive manner.

To Exercise Authority Over: Another meaning is “to exercise authority over,” which can have both neutral and negative connotations, depending on the context. It implies having power or control over others.

To Rule with Harshness: In some contexts, κατεξουσιάζω can mean “to rule with harshness” or “to control forcefully,” highlighting a style of leadership that lacks compassion and is driven by power.

Similar Words

κυριεύω (kurieuō) [ku-ri-EU-o]: This word means “to be lord over” or “to have dominion over.” While similar to κατεξουσιάζω, κυριεύω is often used in a broader sense and can refer to both legitimate and illegitimate authority, depending on the context.

κατακυριεύω (katakurieuō) [ka-ta-ku-ri-EU-o]: Meaning “to lord over” or “to exercise dominion over,” this word is very similar to κατεξουσιάζω but often has a slightly stronger emphasis on subjugation and dominance.

ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō) [ex-ou-si-A-zo]: This word means “to have authority” or “to exercise power,” derived from ἐξουσία (authority). It is more neutral compared to κατεξουσιάζω, which carries a stronger implication of abuse or excessive control.

Morphological Features

Tense, Voice, Mood: κατεξουσιάζω appears primarily in the present and aorist tenses, active voice, and indicative mood. It conveys ongoing or completed action, often in contexts where power dynamics and authority are being discussed.

Person and Number: The verb can be conjugated in various persons (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and numbers (singular, plural) to match the subject performing the action.

Aspect: The verb’s aspect can be imperfective (present), indicating ongoing action, or perfective (aorist), indicating a completed action. These aspects help provide a nuanced understanding of how authority is exercised or abused.

Conjugation Table for Present Indicative Active of κατεξουσιάζω:

For a more detailed explanation of Greek grammar and conjugations, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

κατεξουσιάζω is used in New Testament Greek to describe the exercise of authority in a dominating or overbearing way. It is often employed in contexts that discuss inappropriate or abusive leadership styles, contrasting with the servant leadership model promoted by Jesus. For instance, in passages where Jesus teaches His disciples not to “lord it over” others as Gentile rulers do, the term κατεξουσιάζω is a key word that highlights this negative form of leadership. In classical Greek literature, κατεξουσιάζω also carries the implication of oppressive rule or harsh dominion, reflecting a cultural awareness of power dynamics and their effects on communities.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Related Scripture References

Matthew 20:25: “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority [κατεξουσιάζω] over them.'”

Mark 10:42: “Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, ‘You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority [κατεξουσιάζω] over them.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of κατεξουσιάζω (G2715)

κατεξουσιάζω (katexousiazō) is a Greek verb meaning “to exercise authority over” or “to domineer.” It appears in the New Testament to describe the improper use of authority, particularly in the context of leadership styles that contrast with the teachings of Jesus about servant leadership. Understanding this word is crucial for interpreting passages that discuss power dynamics, leadership, and community relationships in both biblical and classical contexts. Its usage highlights the tension between authority and servitude, providing insights into ethical and spiritual teachings on power and leadership.

Did You Know?

The term κατεξουσιάζω is a compound of κατά (kata) and ἐξουσία (exousia), emphasizing an intensive form of exercising power.

In the teachings of Jesus, κατεξουσιάζω is contrasted with servant leadership, where true greatness is found in humility and service rather than dominance.

The word’s use in classical texts like those of Aristotle and Polybius shows that concerns about leadership and the abuse of power were prevalent in ancient Greek thought, not just in early Christian teachings.