Kyrios

Christianity

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June 30, 2026

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In early Christianity, Kyrios (Greek for "lord" or "master") was a title used to refer to Jesus Christ. This confession of Jesus as Kyrios was a significant declaration for early Christians, distinguishing him from other authorities, such as the Roman emperor. The term Kyrie itself is the vocative case of kyrios and is famously part of the phrase Kyrie eleison ("Lord, have mercy"), a common petition and response in Christian liturgies. The use of Kyrios for Christ implied that he was divine and deserving of worship, placing him on a level with God. This title also echoed the Old Testament's use of "Lord" to refer to Yahweh, signifying a new covenant established through Jesus.123

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Jesus
The Lord
…way the name “Lord” (Kyrios) was employed during the 1st century, it is possible to see several implications in the Christian use of it for Christ. The Christians meant that there were not many divine and lordly beings in the universe but only one Kyrios (1 Corinthians 8:5–6). They…
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…way the name “Lord” (Kyrios) was employed during the 1st century, it is possible to see several implications in the Christian use of it for Christ. The Christians meant that there were not many divine and lordly beings in the universe but only one Kyrios (1 Corinthians 8:5–6). They…
Read More