Brief Overview of κυρόω (Strong’s G2964: kyroō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament provides deeper insight into the biblical text and the cultural context in which it was written. The Greek word κυρόω (kyroō) is significant because it deals with concepts of affirmation, validation, and establishment, which are essential for interpreting passages related to confirmation or approval. In ancient Greek culture, this term was often used in legal, political, and social contexts, making it highly relevant for understanding both secular and sacred aspects of life during the New Testament period.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κυρόω (kyroō) [kee-RO-o]

Etymology: The root of κυρόω is κύριος (kyrios), meaning “lord” or “master.” The verb form κυρόω carries the idea of establishing something with authority or making something valid or binding, deriving from the sense of authority inherent in the root word.

Part of Speech: Verb. κυρόω is a verb, and like most Greek verbs, it has a range of forms that change depending on tense, voice, and mood. It is a verb that primarily appears in the active voice in biblical texts.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: To Confirm or Ratify
The primary meaning of κυρόω is “to confirm” or “to ratify.” This term is often used in contexts where agreements, promises, or decrees need formal approval or validation. It conveys a sense of authoritative endorsement.

Meaning 2: To Establish or Make Firm
Another key meaning is “to establish” or “make firm.” This sense emphasizes the idea of setting something in a firm or unchangeable state, often referring to laws, covenants, or decisions.

Meaning 3: To Authenticate
κυρόω can also mean “to authenticate” or “validate.” This usage is often found in legal contexts or where a claim or document needs to be validated by an authority figure.

Exploring Similar Words

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ἐπικυρόω (epikyroō) [e-pee-KEE-ro-o]: This word means “to confirm” or “to ratify” as well, but it often carries a stronger sense of addition, implying the reinforcement of a decision or agreement that has already been made.

βεβαιόω (bebaioō) [be-bai-O-o]: Meaning “to make firm” or “to establish,” it is similar to κυρόω but more focused on the process of making something stable or certain.

διαθέτω (diathetō) [dee-a-THE-to]: While this word means “to establish” or “to dispose of,” it is often used in contexts of wills and testaments, thus differing slightly from the authoritative confirmation implied by κυρόω.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense, Voice, Mood: κυρόω is commonly found in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. It appears primarily in the active voice, and it is often found in the indicative and imperative moods.
• Person and Number: Here is how κυρόω is conjugated in the Present Indicative Active:

Aspect: The aspect of κυρόω can be imperfective (ongoing action), perfective (completed action), or stative (state of being), which affects the nuance of its use in sentences.

For more information on Greek verbs, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In New Testament contexts, κυρόω frequently appears in discussions regarding the validation or confirmation of agreements, covenants, or promises, highlighting the importance of authoritative endorsement. In classical Greek literature, this term often appears in legal texts to describe the process of ratifying laws or decrees, as well as in political speeches to refer to the confirmation of decisions. The theological implications of κυρόω are profound, as it underscores God’s authority in establishing His promises and the church’s authority in binding or loosening on earth as it is in heaven.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

2 Corinthians 2:8: “So I beg you to reaffirm your love [κυρῶσαι] for him.”
Hebrews 9:17: “For a will takes effect only at death, since it is not in force [κυρόω] as long as the one who made it is alive.”
Galatians 3:15: “Brothers, I speak in human terms: Even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified [κεκυρωμένον].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κυρόω (kyroō) carries the weight of legal and authoritative endorsement. It is used in the New Testament to express the validation or confirmation of agreements, laws, and divine promises. Understanding κυρόω enriches our comprehension of the biblical text’s theological and cultural dimensions, as it underscores themes of divine authority, covenant, and the binding nature of God’s promises.

Did You Know?

• Did you know? κυρόω is often used in the context of covenants, emphasizing the unbreakable nature of agreements ratified by divine or human authority.
• Did you know? The legal connotations of κυρόω in classical Greek texts reflect its importance in establishing binding commitments, whether among people or between humans and the divine.
• Did you know? In the Septuagint, κυρόω is used to translate Hebrew terms related to the confirmation of covenants, thereby linking Jewish and Hellenistic legal traditions.