Lexical Summary katexousiazó: To exercise authority over, to dominate, to lord over Original Word: κατεξουσιάζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exercise authority. From kata and exousiazo; to have (wield) full privilege over -- exercise authority. see GREEK kata see GREEK exousiazo HELPS Word-studies 2715 kateksousiázō (from 2596 /katá, "down, according to," intensifying 1850 /eksousiázō, "to exercise authority") – properly, to exert authority downwards (oppressively); to strongly dominate (bring down, note the force of the prefix kata). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kata and exousiazó Definition to exercise authority over NASB Translation exercise authority over (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2715: κατεξουσιάζωκατεξουσιάζω; not found in secular authors; to exercise authority, wield power (see κατά, III. 3): τίνος, over one, Matthew 20:25; Mark 10:42. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 2715 (katexousiazō) portrays the act of exercising power in an overbearing, domineering manner. The word appears only twice in the New Testament, both times on the lips of Jesus Christ when He contrasts worldly leadership with the servant-hearted leadership He demands of His disciples. Biblical Occurrences 1. Matthew 20:25 – “But Jesus called them to Him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.’” In both verses the term is paired with another strong verb (katakurieuō, “lord it over”) to depict the double-layered tyranny of pagan rule. The first verb stresses harsh domination; katexousiazō adds the idea of exploiting positional power for personal advantage. Historical Background Jesus spoke these words in the shadow of Roman occupation and the local dynasties that served Rome’s interests. Roman provincial governors, Herodian princes, and temple aristocrats wielded sweeping authority backed by military force and economic privilege. The disciples—fresh from debating who would be greatest in the coming kingdom—would have recognized immediately the oppressive structures Jesus referenced. His use of the term crystallized the contrast between well-known pagan models of power and the radically different ethos He was instituting. Theological Significance 1. Kingdom Ethic: By rejecting katexousiazō-style rule, Jesus redefines greatness as self-sacrifice. His correction reveals a kingdom where authority flows from service, not status. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship • Servant Leadership: Spiritual authority is validated by sacrificial love and moral example, not by coercion. Related Terms and Themes • katakurieuō (Strong’s 2634) – “to domineer,” often paired with katexousiazō. Application for Today From family life to global missions, Christians are called to renounce any impulse to manipulate or control others for selfish ends. Modern leadership paradigms—whether corporate, political, or ecclesial—often reward ambition akin to that of first-century Gentile rulers. Followers of Christ must therefore measure success not by ascendancy but by faithful service, seeking the commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Forms and Transliterations κατειπάντες κατεξουσιαζουσιν κατεξουσιάζουσιν κατεξουσίαζουσιν katexousiazousin katexousiázousinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 20:25 V-PIA-3PGRK: οἱ μεγάλοι κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν NAS: them, and [their] great men exercise authority over them. KJV: they that are great exercise authority upon them. INT: the great ones exercise authority over them Mark 10:42 V-PIA-3P |
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