κυριεύω
To rule
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
These lexicon entries are being actively developed. If you notice missing content, incorrect definitions, or have suggestions, we'd love to hear from you. Share a note on our Connect page and include a screenshot if helpful.
What does κυριεύω (kyrieúō) mean in the Bible?
κυριεύω (kyrieúō) is a Greek word meaning "to rule". κυριεύω (κύριος), [in LXX chiefly for מָשַׁל ;] to be lord or master of, to rule (over): C. Sin no longer exercises lordship over those under grace.
Full entry for κυριεύω (G2961) · Browse the biblical lexicon
Meaning
Rule or dominion exercised by one with authority; especially sin's or death's power over the human condition.
(κύριος), [in LXX chiefly for מָשַׁל ;] to be lord or master of, to rule (over): C. genitive obj., Luk.22:25, Rom.14:9, 2Co.1:24; absol., 1Ti.6:15; metaphorically, ὁ θάνατος, Rom.6:9; ἡ ἁμαρτία, Rom.6:14; ὁ νόμος, Rom.7:1 (cf. κατα-κυριεύω).
Why This Word Matters
Sin no longer exercises lordship over those under grace. Romans 6:1-14
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Indicative states a fact or reality 5×
Subjunctive possibility, probability, or purpose 1×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 1×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 7 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain