The Greek verb authenteō means to have authority over someone or act on one's own authority. A hapax legomenon in the New Testament — appearing only in 1 Timothy 2:12. Its precise meaning has been extensively debated: whether it denotes legitimate exercise of authority, usurpation, or domineering control. Cognate evidence suggests a range from 'to act independently' to 'to exercise authority.'
First Timothy 2:12 is among the most debated verses in biblical scholarship: 'I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man.' Complementarians read it as prohibiting women from teaching over men; egalitarians argue authenteō means to usurp or domineer rather than legitimate authority. Either way, the NT concern is for servant-hearted leadership rather than domination.