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Unveiling the Word
Understanding the Greek word κυριακός (kyriakós) is vital for biblical studies, particularly when exploring early Christian practices and worship. This word is closely associated with the “Lord” and signifies something that belongs to or is related to the “Lord.” Its usage in the New Testament provides insight into early Christian worship traditions, especially concerning the “Lord’s Supper” (1 Corinthians 11:20) and the “Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10). Additionally, it reveals the cultural and religious dynamics of the early church as it differentiated itself from Jewish customs and the pagan practices of the surrounding Roman world.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κυριακός (kyriakós) [kee-ree-ah-KOS]
Etymology: The word κυριακός is derived from κύριος (kýrios), meaning “lord” or “master.” The suffix -κός indicates something belonging to or pertaining to the “lord.” Hence, kyriakós means “of the Lord” or “pertaining to the Lord.”
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Part of Speech: Adjective. As an adjective, κυριακός modifies nouns and describes things related to the “Lord,” such as in the phrase “the Lord’s Supper” (κυριακὸν δεῖπνον) and “the Lord’s Day” (ἡ κυριακὴ ἡμέρα).
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Defining Meanings
Meaning 1: Pertaining to the Lord
The primary meaning of κυριακός is “pertaining to the Lord.” This usage reflects ownership or association with the “Lord,” emphasizing its divine connection. It is commonly used to denote elements directly related to Christian worship or practice.
Meaning 2: The Lord’s Supper
In 1 Corinthians 11:20, κυριακός is used in the phrase “the Lord’s Supper” (κυριακὸν δεῖπνον), referring to the Christian sacrament commemorating Jesus’ Last Supper. This term marks a distinct Christian identity separate from Jewish Passover traditions.
Meaning 3: The Lord’s Day
In Revelation 1:10, κυριακός appears in the context of “the Lord’s Day” (ἡ κυριακὴ ἡμέρα), referring to the day of worship dedicated to the Lord, which early Christians celebrated weekly, distinguishing their practices from both Jewish Sabbath and pagan rituals.
Exploring Similar Words
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Κύριος (kýrios) [KEE-ree-os]: Refers to “Lord” or “Master” and is often used to denote Jesus Christ or God in the New Testament. While κυριακός is an adjective, κύριος serves as a noun emphasizing authority and divinity.
Θεῖος (theíos) [THEE-os]: Meaning “divine” or “pertaining to God,” it is a broader term that refers to anything related to a god or deity, unlike κυριακός, which specifically relates to “the Lord.”
Ἐκκλησιαστής (ekklesiastés) [ek-klay-see-as-TAYS]: Refers to a “church member” or “assembly member.” Though not directly related to κυριακός, it shows how early Christian terminology developed to define the faith community.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
For Adjectives:
- Case, Number, Gender: κυριακός is an adjective that can be masculine, feminine, or neuter. It follows the second declension pattern for masculine and neuter and the first declension for feminine.
- Declension:
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κυριακός (kyriakós) | κυριακή (kyriakḗ) | κυριακόν (kyriakón) |
| Genitive | κυριακοῦ (kyriakoû) | κυριακῆς (kyriakês) | κυριακοῦ (kyriakoû) |
| Dative | κυριακῷ (kyriakōi) | κυριακῇ (kyriakēi) | κυριακῷ (kyriakōi) |
| Accusative | κυριακόν (kyriakón) | κυριακήν (kyriakḗn) | κυριακόν (kyriakón) |
For further details on Greek adjectives, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
Lexicon entries for κυριακός emphasize its specific use in Christian contexts, distinguishing it from other terms for holy or divine. It is notable for its connection to foundational Christian practices—the Lord’s Supper and the Lord’s Day—indicating a shift in religious observance and identity among early believers. The term also reflects how early Christians set themselves apart from Jewish and Greco-Roman traditions by defining new rituals and spaces of worship.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
1 Corinthians 11:20: “When you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper [κυριακὸν δεῖπνον] that you eat.”
Revelation 1:10: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day [κυριακὴ ἡμέρα], and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Ezekiel 7:7 | “The day of trouble is near, and not the day of joyful shouting on the mountains ([κυριακός]).” |
| Philo | On the Life of Moses | “The Lord’s commands ([κυριακός]) were made known to them through the laws.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 118:24 | “This is the day which the Lord ([κυριακός]) has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” |
Noteworthy Summary
κυριακός (kyriakós) is a term uniquely significant in the New Testament for its association with Christian rituals and identity. Its usage marks the distinctiveness of Christian worship practices, particularly in reference to the Lord’s Supper and the Lord’s Day, thereby underscoring the early church’s developing identity and theological constructs.
Did You Know?
- Did you know? The word κυριακός is the root for the English word “church” in many languages, such as “kirk” in Scots and “kirche” in German.
- Did you know? “The Lord’s Day” (κυριακὴ ἡμέρα) is still observed in Christian communities today, generally referring to Sunday.
- Did you know? Early Christian writers, such as Ignatius of Antioch, referenced κυριακός to emphasize the importance of Sunday worship as a unique Christian practice, distinct from the Jewish Sabbath.
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