2715. katexousiazó
Lexical Summary
katexousiazó: To exercise authority over, to dominate, to lord over

Original Word: κατεξουσιάζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: katexousiazó
Pronunciation: kat-ex-oo-see-ad'-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ex-oo-see-ad'-zo)
KJV: exercise authority
NASB: exercise authority over
Word Origin: [from G2596 (κατά - according) and G1850 (ἐξουσιάζω - have authority over)]

1. to have (wield) full privilege over

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 Origin
from kata and exousiazó
Definition
to exercise authority over
NASB Translation
exercise authority over (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2715: κατεξουσιάζω

κατεξουσιάζω; 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.’”
2. Mark 10:42 – “So Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those regarded as 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.
2. Christological Lens: Jesus embodies the antithesis of domineering rule. Philippians 2:6-8 presents Him as the One who, though “in very nature God,” chose to empty Himself and take the form of a servant.
3. Ecclesiology: The church is to model leadership that reflects Christ’s humility. Elders, pastors, and any who hold responsibility are called to shepherd rather than dominate (1 Peter 5:2-3).
4. Eschatological Hope: Human history is replete with oppressive regimes, but Christ’s return promises the final removal of all tyrannical authorities (Revelation 11:15).

Implications for Ministry and Discipleship

• Servant Leadership: Spiritual authority is validated by sacrificial love and moral example, not by coercion.
• Accountability: Structures within the body of Christ must guard against concentration of unanswerable power. Matthew 23:11, “The greatest among you shall be your servant,” remains the corrective.
• Pastoral Care: Leaders imitate Christ when they prioritize the flock’s well-being over personal agenda, echoing Paul’s attitude in 2 Corinthians 4:5, “For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.”
• Mission Strategy: Evangelism and discipleship flourish where leaders embody humility. The early church’s explosive growth was tied to a community in which social hierarchies were leveled in Christ (Galatians 3:28).

Related Terms and Themes

• katakurieuō (Strong’s 2634) – “to domineer,” often paired with katexousiazō.
• douleuō (Strong’s 1398) – “to serve as a slave,” the positive counterpart commended by Jesus.
• Exousia (authority) in Matthew 28:18 is absolute, yet Jesus wields it for redemption rather than oppression.
• The foot-washing in John 13 exemplifies the antithesis of katexousiazō leadership.

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 katexousiázousin
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 20:25 V-PIA-3P
GRK: 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
GRK: μεγάλοι αὐτῶν κατεξουσιάζουσιν αὐτῶν
NAS: them; and their great men exercise authority over them.
KJV: great ones exercise authority upon them.
INT: great ones of them exercise authority over them

Strong's Greek 2715
2 Occurrences


κατεξουσιάζουσιν — 2 Occ.

2714
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