Despótēs — G1203

Definition

masculine noun

an absolute ruler ("despot")

1. God is thus addressed by one who calls himself his δοῦλος
2. Christ is so called, as one who has bought his servants
3. rules over his church

Usually translated as

Lord, master

Origin

perhaps from G1210 and pósis (a husband)

• déō (G1210)

Occurrences

Despótēs occurs 10 times in the King James.

Distribution of the word across the Bible: Luke (1), Acts (1), 1 Timothy (2), 2 Timothy (1), Titus (1), 1 Peter (1), 2 Peter (1), Jude (1), Revelation (1)

• Luke 2:29 — Lord (δέσποτα), now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:
• Acts 4:24 — And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord (δέσποτα), thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
• 1 Timothy 6:1 — Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters (δεσπότας) worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
• 1 Timothy 6:2 — And they that have believing masters (δεσπότας), let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
• 2 Timothy 2:21 — If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use (δεσπότῃ), and prepared unto every good work.
• Titus 2:9 — Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters (δεσπόταις), and to please them well in all things; not answering again;
• 1 Peter 2:18 — Servants, be subject to your masters (δεσπόταις) with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
• 2 Peter 2:1 — But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord (δεσπότην) that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
• Jude 1:4 — For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord (δεσπότην) God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Revelation 6:10 — And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord (δεσπότης), holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?