Lord
Summary
A title of authority and dominion used in Scripture to render several Hebrew and Greek words, applied both to human masters and supremely to God and Christ.
☩Hebrew Terms
The English word 'Lord' renders several distinct Hebrew terms. The divine name Yahweh (יְהוָֹה) is rendered 'LORD' in small capitals, representing the personal covenant name of God which the Septuagint translated as Kyrios. The word Adon (אָדוֹן) denotes absolute control and is used for human masters of slaves, kings over subjects, and husbands over wives, as well as occasionally for God as supreme proprietor. Adonai (אֲדוֹנָי) is a plural of excellence used specifically as a divine title, which Jews substituted when reading aloud in place of the sacred name Yahweh. The term Baal (בַּעַל) indicates mastery through domination and is applied primarily to heathen deities.
☩Greek Usage
The Greek term Kyrios (κύριος) derives from kyros meaning 'authority' and signifies master or possessor. In the Septuagint, Kyrios consistently represents both Yahweh and Adonai, while Theos represents Elohim. In the New Testament, Kyrios is applied in three primary ways: as a name for God in Old Testament quotations and expressions; as a general title of courtesy like 'Sir' or 'Master'; and most significantly as a title for Jesus Christ. The word Despotes (δεσπότης), meaning absolute owner, appears in Luke 2:29, Acts 4:24, 2 Peter 2:1, and Revelation 6:10, emphasizing sovereign ownership.
☩Application to Christ
The title 'Lord' as applied to Christ carries profound theological significance. It expresses the believer's relationship of subjection to Christ, analogous to that of a slave to a master. Paul frequently calls himself a 'slave of Jesus Christ' and reminds believers that they have surrendered themselves to this servitude. Beyond mere subjection, the title assigns divine dignity to Christ, placing Him alongside the Father as entitled to worship. The early Church's confession that 'Jesus Christ is Lord' was made possible only by the Holy Spirit and constituted acknowledgment of His divine nature. According to Philippians 2:9-11, God exalted Jesus and bestowed on Him 'the name above every name,' so that every tongue should confess His Lordship.
☩Typographical Conventions
English Bible translations employ distinct conventions to distinguish the underlying Hebrew terms. 'LORD' in small capitals represents the divine name Yahweh. 'Lord' with standard capitalization represents Adonai when referring to deity, or Adon in various contexts. When 'Lord GOD' appears, it typically renders the Hebrew Adonai Yahweh. These conventions help readers identify which Hebrew term underlies the English translation, preserving distinctions important for theological understanding.
Related Verses6764 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Lord," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Lord of Hosts," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Lord," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Lord," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 5.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "LORD," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. VII (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).