κυρόω
kyróō
G2964 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To confirm, make valid, ratify, or authorize with formal or binding effect. In various contexts, κυρόω can refer to the validation or formalization of a decree, covenant, agreement, or statement. The primary sense is to give official or legal standing to something through affirmation or endorsement, so that it is regarded as binding or effective. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the term is often used of legal actions, civic decrees, contracts, or testimonies formally confirmed by a recognized authority.
Semantic Range
to confirm authoritatively, to ratify (a law, covenant, contract), to validate officially, to give legal or formal approval, to establish as binding
Root / Etymology
From the noun κῦρος (kuros), meaning 'power, authority, validity', which is related to the root κυρ- ('power, authority'). Cognate with κύριος ('lord, master, one having authority'). The verb κυρόω thus means 'to give authority, to ratify'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κυρόω is attested as early as the fifth century BCE, especially in legal and civic settings in works such as those of Demosthenes and Isocrates, where it refers to the ratification of laws, decrees, or contracts. In the Septuagint, it can translate Hebrew verbs meaning 'to establish' or 'to confirm', often in a covenantal or legal context. In the New Testament, the term appears infrequently but retains its sense of bestowing formal validity or confirmation, for example, the ratification of a promise or legal action. The English translation 'confirm' can obscure the word's technical legal force: κυρόω typically conveys not mere agreement but an authoritative or legal validation. Unlike the more general βεβαιόω ('to make firm, establish'), κυρόω carries a connotation of official, binding effect, and is often used in the context of law, civic decrees, or covenantal ratification. Use of the term emphasizes recognized authority behind the confirmation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as κύριος; to make authoritative, i.e. ratify:--confirm.
Root Family
κυρόω (kyróō) — to give authority, to ratify, to validate
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2964-01 |
κεκυρωμένην | kekuromenen | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC F SG |
it has been confirmed | having been ratified | having been ratified | 1 |
G2964-02 |
κυρῶσαι | kurosai | V AOR ACT INF |
to reaffirm | to ratify | to ratify | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2964-02 |
2 Corinthians 2:8 | κυρῶσαι | kurosai | V AOR ACT INF |
to reaffirm | to ratify | to ratify |
G2964-01 |
Galatians 3:15 | κεκυρωμένην | kekuromenen | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC F SG |
it has been confirmed | having been ratified | having been ratified |