Berean Strong's Lexicon katadunasteuo: To oppress, to dominate, to exercise harsh control over Original Word: καταδυναστεύω Word Origin: From the Greek prefix κατά (kata, meaning "down" or "against") and δυνάστης (dunastēs, meaning "ruler" or "powerful one"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H6231 עָשַׁק (ashaq) - to oppress, to extort - H3238 יָנָה (yanah) - to oppress, to maltreat Usage: The verb καταδυναστεύω is used to describe the act of oppressing or exercising harsh control over others. It conveys a sense of domination and exploitation, often with a negative connotation of unjust or cruel treatment. In the New Testament, it is used to highlight the oppressive actions of those in power against the vulnerable or marginalized. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, social hierarchies were prevalent, and those in positions of power often exploited the lower classes. The concept of oppression was familiar to the early Christian communities, many of whom faced persecution and social injustice. The term καταδυναστεύω would resonate with audiences who experienced or witnessed the misuse of power by authorities or wealthy individuals. HELPS Word-studies 2616 katadynasteúō (from 2596 /katá, "down, according to," intensifying 1413 /dynástēs, "exercise rulership") – properly, powerfully bringing someone down (denying them the higher position or blessing they should enjoy), i.e. tyrannize; to dominate (treat harshly), overpowering someone (Souter). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2616: καταδυναστεύωκαταδυναστεύω; present passive participle καταδυναστευόμενος; the Sept. for הונָה, עָשַׁק, etc.; with the genitive of person (Winers Grammar, 206 (193); Buttmann, 169 (147)), to exercise harsh control over one, to use one's power against one: James 2:6 (not Tdf. (see below)) (Diodorus 13, 73); τινα, to oppress one (Xenophon, conv. 5, 8; often in the Sept.). James 2:6 Tdf.; passive Acts 10:38. STRONGS NT 2616a: κατάθεμακατάθεμα, καταθεματος, τό, equivalent to κατανάθεμα(which see), of which it seems to be a vulgar corruption by syncope (cf. Koumanoudes, συναγωγή λέξεων ἀθησαυρων κτλ., under the word κατας); a curse; by metonymy, worthy of execration, an accursed thing: Revelation 22:3 (Rec. κατανάθεμα; cf. Justin Martyr, quaest. et resp. 121, at the end; 'Teaching' 16, 5 [ET]). Not found in secular authors. From kata and a derivative of dunastes; to exercise dominion against, i.e. Oppress -- oppress. see GREEK kata see GREEK dunastes Englishman's Concordance Acts 10:38 V-PPM/P-AMPGRK: πάντας τοὺς καταδυναστευομένους ὑπὸ τοῦ NAS: all who were oppressed by the devil, KJV: all that were oppressed of INT: all that were being oppressed by the James 2:6 V-PIA-3P Strong's Greek 2616 |