The term "lorded" is derived from the concept of exercising dominion or authority over others, often in a manner that is domineering or oppressive. In the biblical context, the idea of "lording over" others is addressed in both the Old and New Testaments, where it is often contrasted with the servant leadership exemplified by Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of dominion is first introduced in Genesis 1:26-28, where God grants humanity dominion over the earth and its creatures. This dominion, however, is intended to reflect God's own righteous and benevolent rule. The misuse of authority, or "lording over" others, is seen in various narratives, such as the oppressive rule of Pharaoh over the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 1:8-14). The prophets frequently condemned the leaders of Israel and Judah for their oppressive practices, urging them to act justly and care for the vulnerable (e.g., Isaiah 1:17, Micah 6:8).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly addresses the issue of "lording over" others in His teachings to His disciples. In Matthew 20:25-28 , Jesus contrasts the worldly exercise of authority with the servant leadership He calls His followers to embody: "But Jesus called them aside and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their superiors exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'"

Similarly, in 1 Peter 5:2-3 , the apostle Peter exhorts church leaders to shepherd their flocks willingly and eagerly, "not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock." This passage underscores the biblical principle that true leadership is characterized by humility, service, and setting a godly example, rather than by coercion or exploitation.

Theological Implications

The biblical teaching against "lording over" others highlights the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). It calls believers to reflect God's character in their relationships and leadership roles, emphasizing love, justice, and humility. The model of servant leadership presented by Jesus challenges cultural norms and invites Christians to lead by serving, prioritizing the well-being of others above personal power or prestige.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the admonition against "lording over" others applies to various spheres of life, including family, church, workplace, and government. Christian leaders are called to exercise their authority with integrity and compassion, fostering environments where individuals can flourish. This approach not only honors God but also serves as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel in a world often marked by power struggles and oppression.(imp. & p. p.) of Lord.

Rom. v. 12
... it was yet in vigor. For it had borne that death whereof all partake, which
prevailed and lorded over us. Why then does he proceed ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily x rom v 12.htm

Concerning those who Demanded the Half-Shekel.
... free in relation to things beyond the earth, are as slaves in respect of those who
lord it over them and keep them in bondage; as the Egyptians lorded it over ...
/.../10 concerning those who demanded.htm

Cicero's Opinion of the Roman Republic.
... For it could not be the people's weal when a tyrant factiously lorded it over the
state; neither would the people be any longer a people if it were unjust ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 21 ciceros opinion of the.htm

Chapter xx
... This guilty deed of Abimelech is that he has taken a woman who already is a man's
wife (be'ulath ba'al""lorded over by a lord," ie, "governed by a husband"). ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xx.htm

Second Sunday after Trinity Exhortation to Brotherly Love.
... Proudly he lorded it over his brother, who in contrast had to bear the ignominious
name of Abel, meaning "nothing," or "vanity," as if voicing the thought of ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/second sunday after trinity exhortation.htm

"Jesus or Barabbas. "
... Caiaphas, who lorded it over the whole assemblage with look and gesture,
thus addressed them, "Hail to you, children of Israel! ...
/.../stead/king of the jews/chapter viii jesus or barabbas.htm

Early Christianity in Other Parts of These Islands. --Ninian in ...
... But when the Popes"say of the Plantagenet times"on the strength of the past or of
the supposed past, lorded it over the English people, and carried out of ...
/.../lecture iii early christianity in.htm

Rom. I. 28
... And he does not say, who are "compelled by," "lorded over by," but who "obey
unrighteousness," that one may learn that the fall is one of free choice, the ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily v rom i 28.htm

Aims of the Papacy.
... She possesses the same pride and arrogant assumption that lorded it over
kings and princes, and claimed the prerogatives of God. ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /35 aims of the papacy.htm

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... I dare say, that since lording and loitering hath come up, preaching hath come down,
contrary to the apostles' times: for they preached and lorded not, and now ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

Lorded (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Lord. Multi-Version Concordance Lorded
(1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors ...
/l/lorded.htm - 6k

Lording (1 Occurrence)

/l/lording.htm - 6k

Burden (111 Occurrences)
... that were before me laid burdens upon the people, and took of them for bread and
wine above forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants lorded over the ...
/b/burden.htm - 46k

Lord (59401 Occurrences)

/l/lord.htm - 61k

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