Definition and Context
The term "lording" refers to the act of exercising dominion or authority in a domineering or oppressive manner. In biblical contexts, it often carries a negative connotation, implying an abuse of power or authority, particularly within the community of believers. The concept is primarily derived from the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, who emphasized servant leadership as opposed to authoritarian rule.

Biblical References
The most direct reference to "lording" is found in the New Testament, where Jesus addresses the issue of leadership among His disciples. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus contrasts the worldly exercise of authority with the servant leadership expected among His followers:

· Matthew 20:25-28 : "But Jesus called them aside and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.'"

This passage highlights the contrast between secular and spiritual leadership, emphasizing humility and service over domination.

Apostolic Teaching
The apostle Peter also addresses the issue of lording in his epistles, particularly in the context of church leadership. He exhorts elders to shepherd the flock willingly and eagerly, without resorting to authoritarian control:

· 1 Peter 5:2-3 : "Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them—not out of compulsion, but because it is God’s will; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock."

Peter's instruction underscores the importance of leading by example and serving with a willing heart, rather than exploiting one's position for personal gain or control.

Theological Implications
The concept of lording is antithetical to the biblical model of leadership, which is rooted in the character and example of Christ. Jesus' life and ministry exemplified humility, sacrifice, and service, setting a standard for all who hold positions of authority within the church. The rejection of lording aligns with the broader biblical theme of mutual submission and love among believers, as articulated by the apostle Paul:

· Ephesians 5:21 : "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."

This mutual submission is a reflection of the unity and equality that should characterize the body of Christ, where each member serves the others in love and humility.

Practical Application
In practical terms, the admonition against lording serves as a guide for church leaders and members alike. It calls for a leadership style that prioritizes the well-being and spiritual growth of others over personal ambition or control. Leaders are encouraged to cultivate a servant's heart, seeking to emulate Christ in their interactions and responsibilities. This approach fosters a healthy, vibrant community where authority is exercised with grace and respect, and where all members are empowered to contribute to the mission of the church.1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Lord.

2. (n.) The son of a lord; a person of noble lineage.

3. (n.) A little lord; a lordling; a lord, in contempt or ridicule.

2634b. katakurieuo -- to exercise dominion over
... Word Origin from kata and kurieuo Definition to exercise dominion over NASB Word
Usage lord it over (2), lording it over (1), subdued (1). 2634a, 2634b. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2634b.htm - 5k

A Sermon of the Reverend Father Master Hugh Latimer, Preached in ...
... Amend therefore. And ye that be prelates, look well to your office, for right
prelating is busy labouring, and not lording. Therefore ...
/.../latimer/sermons on the card and other discourses/a sermon of the reverend.htm

The Method which Origen Used in his Theological and Metaphysical ...
... to be altered in opinion, because it is held fast by any notion which has previously
got possession of it, as though some inexorable tyrant were lording over it ...
/.../argument xiii the method which origen.htm

Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ...
... has, in the verses immediately preceding our text, exhorted the elders, that is,
preachers, to be in their lives "ensamples to the flock," not "lording it over ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/third sunday after trinity humility.htm

Palm Sunday
... Who would not shrink from occupying the uppermost seat and from lording it over
others when he sees the Son of God humble and eliminate himself? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/palm sunday.htm

2 Cor. I. 23
... Ver.24. "Not for that we have lordship over your faith.". That is, I did not
therefore say, "To spare you I came not," as lording it over you. ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily iv 2 cor i.htm

The Life of Mr. Samuel Rutherford.
... court he altogether declined them as a lawful judicatory, and would not give the
chancellor (being a clergyman) and the bishops their titles by lording of them ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr samuel.htm

Presbyters or Bishops. The Angels of the Seven Churches. James of ...
... Peter urges the "presbyters" to "tend the flock of God," and to "fulfil the office
of bishops" with disinterested devotion and without "lording it over the ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 61 presbyters or bishops.htm

October the Twenty-Fifth the Robe of Humility
... "Neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves ensamples
to the flock.". The only truly imperial purple is the robe of humility. ...
/.../my daily meditation for the circling year/october the twenty-fifth the robe.htm

Of the Asylum of Juno in Troy, which Saved no one from the Greeks ...
... Into that temple men were driven to become the chattels of their enemies, now lording
it over them; into these churches men were led by their relenting foes ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 4 of the asylum of.htm

Whether There Should be Order in the Church?
... Reply to Objection 1: The subjection of slavery is incompatible with liberty; for
slavery consists in lording over others and employing them for one's own ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether there should be order.htm

Lording (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Lording (1 Occurrence). 1 Peter 5:3 neither as lording
it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. ...
/l/lording.htm - 6k

Lordliness (1 Occurrence)

/l/lordliness.htm - 6k

Lorded (1 Occurrence)

/l/lorded.htm - 6k

Imitate (13 Occurrences)
... (WEB WEY ASV DBY NAS RSV NIV). 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over your Churches but
proving yourselves patterns for the flock to imitate. (WEY). ...
/i/imitate.htm - 10k

Examples (8 Occurrences)
... 1 Peter 5:3 neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making
yourselves examples to the flock. (WEB BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/e/examples.htm - 8k

Domineering (2 Occurrences)
... Domineering (2 Occurrences). 1 Peter 5:3 neither as lording it over those entrusted
to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock. (See RSV). ...
/d/domineering.htm - 7k

Models (3 Occurrences)
... Macedonia and in Achaia: (DBY). 1 Peter 5:3 not as lording it over your possessions,
but being models for the flock. (DBY). 1 Samuel 6:11 ...
/m/models.htm - 7k

Patterns (4 Occurrences)
... these. (KJV WBS). 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over your Churches but proving
yourselves patterns for the flock to imitate. (WEY YLT). ...
/p/patterns.htm - 7k

Proving (14 Occurrences)
... patience. (ASV DBY). 1 Peter 5:3 not lording it over your Churches but proving
yourselves patterns for the flock to imitate. (WEY NAS). ...
/p/proving.htm - 10k

Allotted (54 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS). 1 Peter 5:3 neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you,
but making yourselves ensamples to the flock. (ASV NAS). ...
/a/allotted.htm - 22k

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