G1850
Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for capturing the depth and nuances of scripture. The Greek word ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō) is particularly significant because it deals with the concept of exercising authority or control. This word not only sheds light on New Testament passages concerning authority and power but also provides insight into how ancient Greek culture viewed governance, control, and influence. By exploring this term, readers can better grasp the Biblical contexts where authority is asserted or discussed.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐξουσιάζω, transliteration: exousiazō, pronunciation: [eks-ou-see-AD-zo]
- Etymology root words: Derived from ἐξουσία (exousia), meaning “authority” or “power.”
- The part of speech: Verb; it belongs to the first conjugation group in Greek.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To exercise authority over.
- To wield power or control.
- To dominate or master.
Similar Words: ἐξουσιάω (exousiaō) and κυριεύω (kurieuō). While ἐξουσιάω also means to have authority or command over something, it is more passive, describing a state of having authority rather than actively exercising it. Κυριεύω implies a more forceful dominion, often with a connotation of ruling with an iron fist.
Further Insights: The word ἐξουσιάζω is a verb derived from ἐξουσία (exousia), which means “authority” or “power.” The verb form indicates the action of exercising or using that authority. In Biblical Greek, it is often associated with the authority given by God or the divine right to act or command. This concept of delegated authority is crucial in understanding certain New Testament passages. The morphological features of this word include its roots and the typical verb endings that define its conjugation.
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Exousiazō is defined as “to exercise authority or control over someone or something.” It implies the capacity or right to command, often with divine or given authority in a theological context.
Thayers: Thayer describes the word as “to have power or authority over, to master, to control.” It emphasizes its use in contexts where authority is not just possessed but actively exercised.
Vines: Vines offers a theological exploration of exousiazō, highlighting its use in passages that describe the authority of God, Jesus, or church leaders, and how such authority is meant to be wielded for righteous purposes.
LSJ: In the LSJ lexicon, exousiazō is noted for its use in classical Greek literature, where it can mean “to dominate” or “to wield power,” with a connotation of legitimate authority.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance gives the meaning of exousiazō as “to control, to exercise authority upon.” It cites its use in New Testament passages, particularly in the context of divine authority or spiritual power.
Related Scripture References
- 1 Corinthians 7:4: “The wife does not have authority [ἐξουσιάζει] over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise, the husband does not have authority [ἐξουσιάζει] over his own body, but the wife does.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Laws | “The magistrates have the right (ἐξουσιάζειν) to make judgments in these matters.” |
| Aristotle | Politics | “Those who exercise authority (ἐξουσιάζειν) over the community must do so with justice.” |
| Xenophon | Cyropaedia | “Cyrus would only exercise (ἐξουσιάζειν) his power for the good of the people.” |
Septuagint Examples:
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Psalms | Psalm 8:6 | “You have made him to have dominion (ἐξουσιάζειν) over the works of Your hands.” |
| Sirach | Sirach 23:1 | “O Lord, Father and Master of my life, do not let me fall under the authority (ἐξουσιάζειν) of my thoughts.” |
| Wisdom of Solomon | Wisdom 12:18 | “Though you have great power (ἐξουσιάζειν), you judge with mildness.” |
Summary of ἐξουσιάζω (G1850)
The Greek word ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō) plays a crucial role in understanding Biblical and ancient Greek concepts of authority and power. In the New Testament, it often relates to spiritual authority and the power given by God or Christ to the believers. The word also appears in classical literature, where it typically describes political or social authority. Through examining its primary meanings, lexical insights, and classical usage, readers can gain a fuller understanding of how authority and control were perceived and exercised in the ancient world.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō) is related to the term ἐξουσία (exousia), which is often translated as “authority” in the New Testament? This connection emphasizes that authority, according to Biblical usage, is not just about having power but about how that power is exercised responsibly.
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