Strong's Lexicon authenteó: To have authority, to exercise authority, to dominate Original Word: αὐθεντέω Word Origin: Derived from αὐθέντης (authentēs), meaning "one who acts on his own authority" or "an absolute master." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to αὐθεντέω, the concept of authority can be related to Hebrew terms such as מָשַׁל (mashal, Strong's H4910) meaning "to rule" or "to have dominion." Usage: The verb αὐθεντέω is used in the New Testament to denote the act of exercising authority or having dominion over someone. It implies a sense of control or mastery, often with a connotation of self-derived authority rather than delegated power. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of authority was deeply embedded in social and familial structures. The term αὐθεντέω would have been understood in the context of household management, governance, and social hierarchies. It often carried the idea of asserting one's own will or command over others, which was a common practice in patriarchal societies. HELPS Word-studies 831 authentéō (from 846 /autós, "self" and entea, "arms, armor") – properly, to unilaterally take up arms, i.e. acting as an autocrat – literally, self-appointed (acting without submission). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom autos and a prim. root sen- Definition to govern, exercise authority NASB Translation exercise authority over (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 831: αὐθεντέωαὐθεντέω, ἀυθέντω; (a Biblical and ecclesiastical word; from αὐθέντης contracted from αὐτοέντης, and this from αὐτός and ἔντεα arms (others, ἑντης, cf. Hesychius συνεντης συνεργός; cf. Lobeck, Technol., p. 121); hence, a. according to earlier usage, one who with his own hand kills either others or himself. b. in later Greek writings From a compound of autos and an obsolete hentes (a worker); to act of oneself, i.e. (figuratively) dominate -- usurp authority over. see GREEK autos |