The Greek Meaning of Kyrios

The Meaning of Kyrios

The Greek word *Kyrios* (κύριος) means a strong sense of authority, ownership, and reverence, and is often translated as 'Lord' in biblical translations.

In the Septuagint - the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible - *Kyrios* most often translates the divine name YHWH (e.g., Exodus 3:14-15), embedding it with connotations of covenantal sovereignty. In the New Testament, it is applied to Jesus as a declaration of his divinity and lordship (Acts 2:36), reflecting early Christian confession. However, in classical Greek, *Kyrios* could also denote secular masters or owners, a usage that contrasts with its theological weight in biblical contexts.

This term differs from related Greek words like *despotes* (a stricter 'master') or *kurios* (a general 'owner'). The biblical use of *Kyrios* for Jesus uniquely combines humility and exaltation, signaling both servanthood and divine authority, as seen in Philippians 2:11's universal acknowledgment of Jesus as 'Lord.'

Kyrios in Philippians 2:11

Philippians 2:11 crystallizes the early Christian affirmation of Jesus’ lordship as both a theological declaration and a cosmic imperative.

The verse - "and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" - serves as a creedal statement reflecting the New Testament’s use of *Kyrios* as a title of divine authority. In this context, *Kyrios* echoes the Septuagint’s designation of YHWH, implicitly equating Jesus with the God of Israel. This confession goes beyond simply acknowledging Jesus’ humanity. It asserts his universal sovereignty and divinity, aligning with Paul’s Christological framework in Philippians 2:5-11. The phrase "to the glory of God the Father" further underscores the Trinitarian harmony, positioning Jesus’ lordship as both distinct and subordinate in purpose.

By applying *Kyrios* to Jesus, the text affirms his equality with God while emphasizing his redemptive role. This usage reflects the early church’s conviction that Jesus, through his resurrection and exaltation, had been granted the name above all names - a claim inseparable from his divine identity.

This confession would have been radical in a Roman context where "Lord" was reserved for Caesar, highlighting the theological and political boldness of early Christianity. The humility of Christ’s earthly ministry (Phil. 2:6-8) contrasts with his exalted status as *Kyrios*, illustrating the paradox central to Christian faith. Thus, *Kyrios* in Philippians 2:11 encapsulates the core of Christian worship and the cosmic scope of Jesus’ lordship.

Kyrios in the Septuagint and Divine Identity

In the Septuagint, the Greek term *Kyrios* was used to translate the Hebrew YHWH, as seen in Exodus 3:14-15, where God declares, 'I AM WHO I AM' and instructs Moses to tell Israel, 'I AM has sent me.'

This practice imbued *Kyrios* with deep theological significance, associating it with Israel’s covenantal God. When the New Testament applies *Kyrios* to Jesus, it signals a deliberate identification of Jesus with YHWH, affirming his divine authority.

For instance, in Exodus 3, the substitution of *Kyrios* for YHWH underscores the term’s sacred resonance. Early Christians called Jesus *Kyrios* to show that his lordship was more than a title, reflecting the same divine identity claimed by Israel’s God. This contrasted sharply with the term’s common secular use in classical Greek, highlighting the radical nature of their confession.

Putting 'Kyrios' into Practice

Recognizing Jesus as Kyrios transforms Christian life by anchoring worship, submission, and ethical living to His sovereign authority.

To confess 'Jesus is Lord' (1 Corinthians 12:3) is both an acknowledgment of His divinity and a commitment to align one's life with His will, as seen in Colossians 2:6's call to 'walk in Him' with rooted faith. This confession shapes daily Christian practice by prioritizing Christ's lordship over competing claims, fostering worship that submits to His authority rather than human autonomy. The term Kyrios thus becomes a lens through which believers interpret all aspects of life, from communal worship to personal morality, recognizing Jesus as the ultimate standard of truth and obedience. By embracing this title, Christians affirm that true authority flows not from power or coercion, but from the self-giving love exemplified in Jesus' crucifixion and exaltation.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of Kyrios, explore its usage in Pauline epistles and early Christian creeds.

For instance, Paul’s letters (e.g., Romans, 1 Corinthians) embed Kyrios in confessional statements about Christ’s divinity, while creeds like the Philippian hymn (Phil. 2:5-11) formalize its theological weight. The Lexham Analytical Lexicon offers valuable insights into its linguistic and contextual nuances.