2959. kuria

Lexicon

kuria: Lady, Mistress

Original Word: κυρία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: kuria
Pronunciation: koo-ree'-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (koo-ree'-ah)
Definition: Lady, Mistress
Meaning: a lady.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

lady.

Feminine of kurios; Cyria, a Christian woman -- lady.

see GREEK kurios

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
fem. of kurios
Definition
a lady
NASB Translation
lady (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2959: κυρία

κυρία, κυρίας, ἡ, Cyria, a Christian woman to whom the Second Epistle of John is addressed: 2 John 1:1, 5 (G L T K C (and WH marginal reading in 2 John 1:1)). This proper name is not uncommon in other writers also; cf. Lücke, Comm. üb. die Brr. des John 3rd edition, p. 444. (But R Tr others κυρία, regarding the word as an appellative, lady; (αἱ γυναῖκες εὐθύς ἀπό τεσσαρεσκαίδεκα ἐτῶν ὑπό τῶν ἀνδρῶν κυριαι καλοῦνται, Epictetus enchir. 40). Cf. Westcott on 2 John as above).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Feminine form of κύριος (kyrios), meaning "lord" or "master."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κυρία, the concept of a "lady" or "mistress" can be related to terms like גְּבֶרֶת (geberet, Strong's Hebrew 1404), which also denotes a woman of authority or respect.

Usage: The word κυρία is used in the New Testament to address a woman of notable standing, often implying respect and honor. It appears in the context of personal address and is used in the epistolary greeting of 2 John.

Context: The term κυρία is notably used in the opening of the Second Epistle of John, where the author addresses "the elect lady" (2 John 1:1, BSB). This greeting has been the subject of much scholarly discussion. Some interpretations suggest that "the elect lady" refers to a specific, prominent woman in the early Christian community, possibly a leader or a patroness of a house church. Others propose that it is a metaphorical reference to a local church body, personified as a "lady."

The use of κυρία in this context underscores the respect and esteem held for women in the early Christian communities, acknowledging their roles and contributions. The epistle continues to address themes of truth, love, and obedience, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the teachings of Christ and warning against false doctrines.

The respectful address of κυρία reflects the broader cultural and social norms of the time, where women of certain status were accorded titles that recognized their position and influence. In the context of the early church, such titles also highlight the inclusive nature of the Christian message and the active participation of women in the faith community.

Forms and Transliterations

κυρια κυρία κυρίᾳ κυρίαν κυρίας kuria kyria kyría kyríāi

Englishman's Concordance

2 John 1:1 N-DFS
GRK: ΠΡΕΣΒΥΤΕΡΟΣ ἐκλεκτῇ κυρίᾳ καὶ τοῖς
NAS: to the chosen lady and her children,
KJV: The elder unto the elect lady and her
INT: elder to [the] elect lady and the

2 John 1:5 N-VFS
GRK: ἐρωτῶ σε κυρία οὐχ ὡς
NAS: I ask you, lady, not as though [I were] writing
KJV: I beseech thee, lady, not as though
INT: I implore you lady not as

Strong's Greek 2959
2 Occurrences

κυρίᾳ — 2 Occ.