κατεξουσιάζω
katexousiázō
G2715 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To exercise dominion or authority over, especially to hold power or control over others in a dominating or oppressive manner. The sense involves actively asserting superiority or control, often with the connotation of using authority for one's own ends or in a forceful manner.
Semantic Range
to exercise authority over, to dominate, to rule over oppressively, to lord it over, to wield complete control
Root / Etymology
From κατα- (kata-, intensifying prefix meaning 'down,' 'against,' or 'fully') and ἐξουσιάζω (exousiazō, 'to exercise authority or power'). The compound intensifies the notion of exercising authority, implying thorough or dominating control.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, κατεξουσιάζω appears rarely and is almost exclusively attested in later literary and Christian sources, notably in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., Mark 10:42, Matthew 20:25). Its use denotes not mere legitimate authority but rather the exercise of domineering, controlling power, often in contrast to beneficent or just leadership. In the New Testament, it characterizes the style of rule practiced by Gentile rulers, highlighting the distinction between worldly domination and the ideal of servant leadership advocated by Jesus. Standard English translations often render the term as 'lord it over,' 'exercise authority over,' or 'rule oppressively,' but these may not fully capture the connotation of exploitative or self-serving dominion. In the context of broader Greek usage, exousiazō alone can be neutral or even positive, referring simply to administrative or legal authority, while the kata- prefix marks the word as connoting excessive or heavy-handed rule. The term is not widely attested in non-Christian Greek literature, indicating its specialized use in ethical or rhetorical contexts within the New Testament and early Christian writings.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κατά and ἐξουσιάζω; to have (wield) full privilege over:--exercise authority.
Root Family
ἐξουσία- (exousiázō) — to exercise authority, to control, to dominate
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1850 | ἐξουσιάζω | I will be brought under authority |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2715-01 |
κατεξουσιάζουσιν | katexousiazousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
exercise authority over | they dominate | exercise authority over | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2715-01 |
Matthew 20:25 | κατεξουσιάζουσιν | katexousiazousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
exercise authority over | they dominate | they exercise authority over |
G2715-01 |
Mark 10:42 | κατεξουσιάζουσιν | katexousiazousin | V PRS ACT IND 3P PL |
exercise authority over | they dominate | exercise authority over |