LORD

The Greek expression for "lord" is kurios. One must look at the context to observe the sense conveyed in a particular setting. "Lord" may be used as a mere title of respect, or it can suggest one who is deity. (a) Kurios is sometimes used in the sense of one who is owner or master of a thing, i.e., he has the authority to do as he wishes (Mt. 20:8, 15). Jesus used this term to assert his authority relative to the sabbath day (Mt. 12:8). (b) The word was sometimes employed as a mere title of respect, as in "Sir" (Jn. 4:11). In this case, while the Samaritan woman addressed Jesus as kurios, she had not as yet ascertained his identity. (c) Kurios is used of God as the ruler of the Universe (Mt. 5:33). It is used in the LXX to render several Hebrew words, e.g., Adon, Adonai, and YHWH (the sacred name of God). (d) The word was used of Christ to denote that, by his death and resurrection, he acquired authority over mankind (Acts 2:36; cf. Jn. 17:2; Eph. 1:20ff). In numerous contexts kurios emphasizes the deity of Jesus (Jn. 20:28; Acts 10:36; Rom. 6:23). All genuine Christians acknowledge Jesus as the master of their lives, with complete authority to direct their beliefs and conduct (Mt. 28:18; Phil. 2:9-10).