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G1850 · Greek · New Testament
ἐξουσιάζω
exousiazo
Verb
to exercise authority over; to be mastered by; to have power

Definition

Exousiazo derives from exousia (authority/power). In Luke 22:25 Jesus critiques the way Gentile rulers 'exercise authority' (exousiazousin). In 1 Corinthians 6:12 Paul warns that while all things are lawful, 'I will not be dominated by [exousiasthisomai] anything.' In 1 Corinthians 7:4 it describes the mutual authority spouses have over each other's bodies.

Usage & Theological Significance

The range of exousiazo exposes two kinds of authority: the domination of worldly rulers (which Jesus critiques) and the domination of addictive things (which Paul warns against). Christ's authority is different in kind: He exercises it by serving and dying (Mark 10:45). Christian freedom is liberation from every authority except Christ's — no substance, no habit, no craving should have exousia over the believer. Conversely, the mutual authority of spouses models the self-giving love of Christ for the church.

Key Verses

Luke 22:25 The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship [kurieousin] over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors.
1 Corinthians 6:12 'All things are lawful for me,' but not all things are helpful. 'All things are lawful for me,' but I will not be dominated by [exousiasthisomai] anything.
1 Corinthians 7:4 For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Mark 10:42-43 You know that those who are considered rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them... But it shall not be so among you.
John 19:11 Jesus answered him, 'You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above.'

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External Resources

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