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G2963 · Greek · New Testament
κυριότης
kyriotis
Noun, feminine
lordship, dominion, authority, a class of angelic beings

Definition

Kyriotis (κυριότης) refers to lordship, sovereign authority, or dominion — and also to 'Dominions' as a category of angelic beings in Paul's cosmic hierarchy. From kurios (Lord), it is the abstract noun for the condition or exercise of lordship. It appears in Ephesians 1:21, Colossians 1:16, 2 Peter 2:10, and Jude 8 — in both cosmic and ethical contexts.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Colossians 1:16, Christ is said to have created all things, including kyriotetes (dominions) — angelic powers are among His creations, subordinate to Him. Ephesians 1:21 places Him 'far above all... dominion, power, and every name.' The practical significance: no spiritual power, however exalted, stands over Christ. 2 Peter 2:10 and Jude 8 warn against those who 'reject authority (kyriotis)' — slander the celestial beings, showing lawlessness of the deepest kind.

Key Bible Verses

Ephesians 1:21 Far above all rule and authority, power and dominion [kyriotis], and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
Colossians 1:16 For in him all things were created... thrones or powers or rulers or authorities [kyriotis]; all things have been created through him and for him.
2 Peter 2:10 This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the flesh and despise authority [kyriotis].
Jude 8 In the very same way, on the strength of their dreams these ungodly people pollute their own bodies, reject authority [kyriotis] and heap abuse on celestial beings.
Romans 14:9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord [kurios] of both the dead and the living.

Word Study

Paul's cosmic Christology (Colossians 1, Ephesians 1) is a direct confrontation with any system that places spiritual powers above or alongside Christ. There are kyriotetes — yes, real angelic authorities. But Christ created them all, and His resurrection places Him above them all. No power in the universe stands over the believer's Lord. This is the theological foundation of Christian courage.

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