Definition and Etymology:
The term "tyrannize" refers to the exercise of power in a cruel or oppressive manner. It is derived from the Greek word "tyrannos," meaning an absolute ruler who governs without restrictions, often with a negative connotation of harshness and despotism.

Biblical Context:
While the specific term "tyrannize" is not directly found in the Bible, the concept is evident throughout Scripture, particularly in the context of unjust rulers and oppressive leaders. The Bible frequently addresses the misuse of power and the resulting suffering of the oppressed.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, the theme of tyrannical rule is often associated with foreign kings and oppressive regimes. For example, the Pharaoh of Egypt is depicted as a tyrant who enslaved the Israelites, subjecting them to harsh labor (Exodus 1:11-14). The prophet Isaiah speaks against tyrannical rulers, emphasizing God's justice and the eventual downfall of the oppressors: "Woe to those who enact unjust statutes and issue oppressive decrees" (Isaiah 10:1).

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, Jesus addresses the issue of tyranny in leadership. He contrasts the worldly exercise of authority with the servant leadership expected among His followers: "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:25-26). This teaching underscores the Christian ideal of leadership characterized by humility and service rather than domination and oppression.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the concept of tyrannize is antithetical to the character of God, who is depicted as a just and righteous ruler. God's governance is marked by love, justice, and mercy, as seen in Psalm 103:6: "The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all the oppressed" . The Bible calls believers to reflect God's character in their interactions with others, promoting justice and opposing tyranny.

Practical Application:
Christians are encouraged to resist tyranny in all its forms, whether in personal relationships, societal structures, or governmental systems. Believers are called to advocate for the oppressed and to work towards systems of governance that reflect biblical principles of justice and righteousness. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to "overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:21), emphasizing the transformative power of love and righteousness in confronting tyranny.

Historical Examples:
Throughout church history, Christians have often been at the forefront of movements against tyrannical regimes. The abolition of slavery, the fight for civil rights, and the advocacy for religious freedom are examples where Christian principles have inspired resistance against oppressive systems.

Conclusion:
While the Bible does not use the term "tyrannize," its teachings provide a clear framework for understanding and opposing the misuse of power. Believers are called to embody the principles of justice, mercy, and humility, standing against tyranny in all its forms and reflecting the character of God in their leadership and interactions with others.1. (v. i.) To act the tyrant; to exercise arbitrary power; to rule with unjust and oppressive severity; to exercise power others not permitted by law or required by justice, or with a severity not necessary to the ends of justice and government; as, a prince will often tyrannize over his subjects; masters sometimes tyrannize over their servants or apprentices.

2. (v. t.) To subject to arbitrary, oppressive, or tyrannical treatment; to oppress.

5065. nagas -- to press, drive, oppress, exact
... A primitive root; to drive (an animal, a workman, a debtor, an army); by implication,
to tax, harass, tyrannize -- distress, driver, exact(-or), oppress(-or ...
/hebrew/5065.htm - 6k

The Value of Life
... child labor and infant mortality? What prompts some young men to tyrannize
over their younger brothers? How does this passage and ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter i the value of.htm

Must I Demonstrate to You So Simple a Truth? Can You not ...
... himself alone, without making an equitable and proportional division to the
weak;"where the weak wishes to conquer at any price, that he may tyrannize in his ...
/.../lamartine/atheism among the people/vii must i demonstrate to.htm

Jesus the Good Shepherd.
... sheep, and in indignation at those who thus assumed authority, Jesus explicitly
declares, "I am the door." Not through the word of men who tyrannize over the ...
/.../xxi jesus the good shepherd.htm

Peculiarities of Tennessee Synod.
... But when the Church is identified with the State, it is also fettered by human
traditions, aspiring priests obtain the power to tyrannize men's consciences. ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/peculiarities of tennessee synod.htm

How John Tyrannized Over the Rest; and what Mischiefs the Zealots ...
... 1. By this time John was beginning to tyrannize, and thought it beneath him to accept
of barely the same honors that others had; and joining to himself by ...
/.../chapter 7 how john tyrannized.htm

Herod Ejects Antigonus, the Son of Aristobulus Out of Judea, and ...
... He had been left by Cassius to tyrannize over Tyre; for this Cussiris was a man
that seized on Syria, and then kept it under, in the way of a tyrant. ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 12 herod ejects antigonus.htm

That we Must, Notwithstanding the Opinion of Apuleius, Reject the ...
... Over many, however, who are manifestly unworthy of participation in the true religion,
they tyrannize as over captives whom they have subdued,"the greatest ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 22 that we must notwithstanding.htm

Of the Disasters which Vexed the Roman Republic after the ...
... to oppress the people as slaves, to condemn them to death or scourging, as the kings
had done, to drive them from their holdings, and to tyrannize over those ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 17 of the disasters which.htm

"Take My Yoke Upon You," &C.
... It is an enlargement of heart, from the base restraint and abominable servitude
of the vilest lusts, that tyrannize over us, and keep our affections in bondage ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii take my yoke.htm

That Vespasian, after He had Taken Gadara Made Preparation for the ...
... they were accustomed to dwell in that citadel, they were afraid of going far from
that which was their hiding-place; but he affecting to tyrannize, and being ...
/.../chapter 9 that vespasian after.htm

Tyrannize (1 Occurrence)
... not permitted by law or required by justice, or with a severity not necessary to
the ends of justice and government; as, a prince will often tyrannize over his ...
/t/tyrannize.htm - 7k

Tyrannized (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (imp. & pp) of Tyrannize. Multi-Version Concordance
Tyrannized (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 24:7 When a ...
/t/tyrannized.htm - 6k

Tyrannical (2 Occurrences)

/t/tyrannical.htm - 7k

Eve (5 Occurrences)
... Not from his head, lest she should rule over him; nor from his feet, lest he should
tyrannize over her; but from his side, to denote that species of equality ...
/e/eve.htm - 16k

Delighted (56 Occurrences)
... if thou hast not delighted in her, that thou hast sent her away at her desire, and
thou dost not at all sell her for money; thou dost not tyrannize over her ...
/d/delighted.htm - 23k

Tyrannize: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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