Original Word: αὐθεντέω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: authenteó
Pronunciation: ow-then-TEH-o
Phonetic Spelling: (ow-then-teh'-o)
Definition: To have authority, to exercise authority, to dominate
Meaning: I domineer, govern, have mastery over.

govern, exercise authority

From a compound of autos and an obsolete hentes (a worker); to act of oneself, i.e. (figuratively) dominate -- usurp authority over.

see GREEK autos

831 authentéō (from 846 /autós, "self" and entea, "arms, armor") – properly, to unilaterally take up arms, i.e. acting as an autocrat – literally, self-appointed (acting without submission).

Word Origin
from autos and a prim. root sen-
Definition
to govern, exercise authority
NASB Translation
exercise authority over (1).

STRONGS NT 831: αὐθεντέω

αὐθεντέω, ἀυθέντω; (a Biblical and ecclesiastical word; from αὐθέντης contracted from αὐτοέντης, and this from αὐτός and ἔντεα arms (others, ἑντης, cf. Hesychius συνεντης συνεργός; cf. Lobeck, Technol., p. 121); hence,

a. according to earlier usage, one who with his own hand kills either others or himself.

b. in later Greek writings one who does a thing himself the author" (τῆς πράξεως, Polybius 23, 14, 2, etc.); one who acts on his own authority, autocratic, equivalent to αὐτοκράτωρ an absolute master; cf. Lobeck ad Phryn., p. 120 (also as above; cf. Winers Grammar, § 2, 1 c.)); to govern one, exercise dominion over one: τινς, 1 Timothy 2:12.

Word Origin: Derived from αὐθέντης (authentēs), meaning "one who acts on his own authority" or "an absolute master."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for αὐθεντέω, as it is a concept more specific to the Greek language and the context of the New Testament. However, the idea of authority and leadership can be related to Hebrew terms such as מָשַׁל (mashal, Strong's 4910) meaning "to rule" or "to have dominion," and שָׁלַט (shalat, Strong's 7980) meaning "to have power" or "to govern." These terms reflect similar themes of authority and governance found throughout the Old Testament.

Usage: The verb αὐθεντέω appears in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 2:12, where it is used in the context of authority within the church.

Context: The term αὐθεντέω is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, meaning it appears only once, specifically in 1 Timothy 2:12: "I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet." The context of this passage has been the subject of extensive theological discussion and debate, particularly regarding the roles of men and women in church leadership and teaching.

In the Greco-Roman world, αὐθεντέω carried the connotation of having authority or control, often implying a sense of dominance or mastery. The use of this term in 1 Timothy suggests a prohibition against women assuming a position of authoritative teaching or leadership over men within the church setting. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical theme of complementary roles for men and women, as seen in other scriptural passages.

The cultural and historical context of the early church is crucial for understanding this passage. The early Christian communities were navigating their identity and practices amidst a diverse and often patriarchal society. The apostle Paul's instructions in 1 Timothy were likely aimed at maintaining order and doctrinal purity within the church, reflecting the values and structures of the time.

While some modern interpretations argue for a more egalitarian approach, suggesting that the prohibition was specific to the cultural context of Ephesus, others maintain that the directive has a timeless application, rooted in the created order and the distinct roles assigned to men and women.

αυθεντειν αυθεντείν αὐθεντεῖν αυθημερινού αυθήμερον αυλαία αυλαίαι αυλαίαις αυλαίας αυλαιών αύλακας αύλακες αύλαξι αυλάρχαι authentein authenteînInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts