Hello Beloved,
As we continue the discussion on God’s names, we have moved from the Old to the New Testament, so we are dealing more with titles than names at this point. The name or title that we will consider in this article is the Greek kyrios, which is usually translated, Lord. Similar to the Hebrew Adonai, the Greek kyrios can mean owner or master. It is also sometimes translated as sir, such as in John 4:11 where the “woman at the well” respectfully questioned Jesus’ ability to draw water from the well. The word is translated as owner in Luke 19:33 to describe the possessors of the colt that Jesus rode for His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. In Colossians 4:1, the title is used of masters, in the context of Paul’s admonition that they treat their bondservants with justice and fairness. However, for our purposes, God’s title of Kyrios as Lord can also speak of His creatorship, power to reveal history, and just dominion over the universe. When used of God, it infers superior sovereignty over all things, and it insinuates that He is the Creator and Owner of all things; whether visible or invisible, heavenly or earthly, and material or immaterial. The term kyrios is heavily used in Luke’s writings (210 times) and in those from Paul (275 times).
My favorite passage which uses the term Kyrios is found in the Christ hymn that Paul wrote, referenced in Philippians 2:5-11. After Paul gives the description of Christ’s incarnation, self-emptying, humiliation, and death on the cross; he communicates Christ’s exaltation as God gave Him a name above every name. In verses ten and eleven Paul states, “so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Kyrios), to the glory of God the Father” Philippians 2:10-11 (ESV). What makes the use of “Lord” or “Kyrios” here so unique and important is that Paul is actually quoting a passage from Isaiah. In the servant section of Isaiah, the prophet writes:
22 “Turn to me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. 23 By myself I have sworn; from my mouth has gone out in righteousness a word that shall not return: ‘To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.’ 24 “Only in the LORD (Yahweh), it shall be said of me, are righteousness and strength; to him shall come and be ashamed all who were incensed against him. 25 In the LORD (Yahweh) all the offspring of Israel shall be justified and shall glory.” Isaiah 45:22-25 (ESV)
Please note that the quote from the Christ hymn in Philippians, which calls Jesus “Lord” or “Kyrios” comes directly from a statement in Isaiah which designates that such posture of worship belongs only to God. Even more than that, the name used for God is that of “LORD” or “Yahweh,” which is the very personal, sacred, and covenant name of God. By using “Lord” or “Kyrios” in alluding to this text, Paul is making the crystal-clear assertion of Jesus’ deity. Of course, I end with that oft sung hymn that finds its truth in the Christ hymn.
He Is Lord, He Is Lord!
He Is Risen From The Dead, And He Is Lord!
Every Knee Shall Bow, Every Tongue Confess
That Jesus Christ Is Lord!
Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.