In biblical terminology, the concept of "lordships" is often associated with authority, dominion, and governance. The term is not frequently used in most English translations of the Bible, but the underlying concept is prevalent throughout Scripture, particularly in discussions of spiritual hierarchies and the authority of Christ.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the idea of lordship is closely tied to God's sovereignty and kingship. God is often referred to as "Lord" (Hebrew: Adonai), emphasizing His supreme authority over creation and His covenant people. For instance, in Psalm 97:5 , it is written, "The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the Lord of all the earth." This passage highlights God's ultimate dominion over the natural world.

The concept of human lordship is also present, as seen in the roles of kings and leaders appointed by God. These figures, such as King David, were seen as earthly representatives of God's rule, tasked with leading the people according to divine law.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of lordship is most prominently associated with Jesus Christ. The term "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios) is frequently used to describe Jesus, affirming His divine authority and role as the Messiah. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

The New Testament also addresses spiritual lordships in the context of spiritual warfare and the hierarchy of angelic and demonic beings. Ephesians 6:12 mentions, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Here, "rulers" and "authorities" can be understood as spiritual lordships that oppose God's kingdom.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of lordship underscores the belief in Christ's ultimate authority over all creation. This is central to Christian doctrine, as believers are called to submit to Christ's lordship in every aspect of their lives. Romans 10:9 emphasizes this, stating, "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved."

Furthermore, the recognition of Christ's lordship is integral to the understanding of the Kingdom of God. Believers are seen as subjects of this kingdom, called to live under the rule and reign of Christ, who is the King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16).

Practical Application

In practical terms, acknowledging the lordship of Christ involves a commitment to follow His teachings and commands. It requires believers to prioritize His will over their own desires and to seek His guidance in all decisions. This submission to Christ's authority is a defining characteristic of the Christian faith and is reflected in the life of the church and individual believers.

In summary, while the specific term "lordships" may not be prevalent in biblical text, the concept is deeply embedded in the scriptural narrative, emphasizing God's ultimate authority and the call for believers to live under the lordship of Jesus Christ.

Concerning Lordships and Powers and Authorities, and Concerning ...
... CAPUT VIII. Concerning Lordships and Powers and Authorities, and concerning
their middle Hierarchy. Section I. Let us now pass to ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput viii concerning lordships and.htm

The Request of the Deputies of the Synod of South Holland to their ...
... 4. The request of the Deputies of the Synod of South Holland to their Lordships,
the ,visitors of the University, and the answer which they received. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/4 the request of the.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... I confess, that, by torture, you may cause me to blaspheme God, as Saul did compel
the saints; you may compel me to speak amiss of your lordships; to call ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james 5.htm

That There is a Malignant Party Still in the Kingdom.
... and in the remonstrance of the commission of the General Assembly, dated at Perth,
Nov.29, 1650, the words whereof are these: "Your lordships should likewise ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section i that there is.htm

My Reasons for Refusing a Conference.
... Of what great importance this last circumstance might be, your Lordships would have
most fully discovered by experience, had any of you been present in the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/8 my reasons for refusing.htm

Paragraphs from Notable Speeches
... It would he unfit for me to offer anything to your lordships which I had not well
considered; and this subject, I own, has not long occupied my thoughts. ...
/.../paragraphs from notable speeches.htm

To My Fellow Presbyter Timothy. Dionysius the Presbyter.
... Then what is the Hierarchy of the Angels [225] and Archangels, and of supermundane
Principalities and Authorities, Powers and Lordships, and Divine Thrones, or ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput i to my fellow.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... their military and financial arrangements"Buildings erected by Tiglath-pileser at
Calah"The Bit-Khilani"Foundation of feudal lordships"Belharrdn-beluzur ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

Which is the First Order of the Heavenly Beings? which the Middle? ...
... But he says, that which is composed of the Authorities, and Lordships, and Powers
is second; and, as respects the lowest of the Heavenly Hierarchies, the Order ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput vi which is the.htm

Concerning the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, and ...
... the Hidden One, we must consider as directing in spiritual things the second, hiddenly;
and that the second, which is composed of the holy Lordships and Powers ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput ix concerning the principalities.htm

Lordships (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lordships (1 Occurrence). Colossians 1:16 because
by him were created all things, the things in the heavens ...
/l/lordships.htm - 6k

Lordship (12 Occurrences)

/l/lordship.htm - 10k

Lord'the (1 Occurrence)
Lord'the. Lordships, Lord'the. Loruhamah . Multi-Version Concordance Lord'the
(1 Occurrence). ... Lordships, Lord'the. Loruhamah . Reference Bible.
/l/lord'the.htm - 6k

Lord (59401 Occurrences)
... (See Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 6:18.) There were five such lordships, viz., Gath,
Ashdod, Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron. Noah Webster's Dictionary. ...
/l/lord.htm - 61k

Gazah (16 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of
Ekron northward, and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the ...
/g/gazah.htm - 11k

Floweth (16 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of
Ekron northward, and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the ...
/f/floweth.htm - 11k

Avvite (1 Occurrence)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of
Ekron northward, and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the ...
/a/avvite.htm - 6k

Avvites (3 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of
Ekron northward, and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the ...
/a/avvites.htm - 7k

Honor (240 Occurrences)
... Mayor. See Note under Honorable. 9. (n.) A seignior or lordship held of
the king, on which other lordships and manors depended. 10. ...
/h/honor.htm - 37k

Gath (44 Occurrences)
... Joshua 13:3 from the Shihor, which floweth before Egypt, as far as the borders of
Ekron northward, and which is counted to the Canaanite; five lordships of the ...
/g/gath.htm - 26k

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