"to tyrannize over, oppress, exploit, Acts 10:38; Jas. 2:6*"
Definition and meaning
to tyrannize over, oppress, exploit, Acts 10:38; Jas. 2:6*
In the original Greek the word is written: καταδυναστεύω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of katadynasteuo (G2616) across the King James Bible.
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
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Common questions
Strong's G2616 (katadynasteuo) is a Greek word that means: to tyrannize over, oppress, exploit, Acts 10:38; Jas. 2:6* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word katadynasteuo (G2616) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2616 is katadynasteuo, a Greek word defined as: to tyrannize over, oppress, exploit, Acts 10:38; Jas. 2:6*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
katadynasteuo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.