καταδυναστεύω (G2616) — Greek Lexicon

καταδυναστεύω

katadynasteúō

G2616 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To exercise power or authority over someone in an oppressive, exploitive, or domineering manner; to oppress, subjugate, or exploit. The verb carries the sense of exerting strong control, often involving force or abuse, especially for one's own advantage at the expense of others. In Hellenistic and New Testament usage, it commonly refers to economic or social oppression enacted by those with power over vulnerable individuals or groups.

Semantic Range

to oppress, to subjugate, to exercise domineering authority over, to exploit, to rule harshly, to abuse power

Root / Etymology

From the prepositional prefix κατά ('down, against') and δυναστεύω ('to be powerful, rule'), itself from δυνάστης ('ruler, potentate; one who has power'). Thus, 'to dominate over, to wield power against.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb καταδυναστεύω occurs in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, attested in both the Septuagint (e.g., Micah 2:2; Zechariah 7:10) and the New Testament (e.g., Acts 10:38; James 2:6). In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew verbs denoting oppression or exploitation, typically referring to the abuse of the poor or powerless by those in authority. In the New Testament, it is used especially in the context of unjust or demonic oppression, as well as social injustice. The English translation 'oppress' generally captures the core meaning, but the Greek term also emphasizes the use of illegitimate power or domination. Distinct from more neutral terms for ruling or governing (e.g., ἄρχω, βασιλεύω), καταδυναστεύω invariably connotes an abusive or harmful exercise of power, underscoring the asymmetry and injustice of the relationship. Later translation traditions have typically rendered it as 'oppress,' but the Greek includes both the act of domination and the resulting condition of oppression.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and a derivative of δυνάστης; to exercise dominion against, i.e. oppress:--oppress.

Root Family

καταδυναστεύω (katadynasteuō) — to exercise power, to dominate, to oppress

Root καταδυναστευ- to exercise power, to dominate, to oppress

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2616-01`	καταδυναστευομένους	katadunasteuomenous	`V PRS PASS PTCP ACC M PL`	oppressed	those being oppressed	those being oppressed	1
`G2616-02`	καταδυναστεύουσιν	katadunasteuousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	oppress	they are oppressing	are oppressing	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2616-01`	Acts 10:38	καταδυναστευομένους	katadunasteuomenous	`V PRS PASS PTCP ACC M PL`	oppressed	those being oppressed	those being oppressed
`G2616-02`	James 2:6	καταδυναστεύουσιν	katadunasteuousin	`V PRS ACT IND 3P PL`	oppress	they are oppressing	are oppressing

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