Dominion in the Bible: Meaning, Angels, and the Authority of Christ
1. Definition of Dominion in the Bible
The Greek word κυριότης (kyriótēs), translated “dominion,” appears only four times in the New Testament. It never occurs in the Septuagint.
Key features of this word include:
Basic meaning: lordship, rule, or authority.
Biblical usage: refers to both Christ’s exalted position and to angelic powers.
Unique context: found in Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians 1:16.
Dominion in the Bible therefore points beyond human kingdoms. It reveals how authority is ordered in the spiritual realm and how all power is ultimately subject to Christ.
2. Dominion and the Angelic Realm
The Bible includes dominion among classes of angels. These references place dominions within a broader hierarchy of spiritual beings.
Biblical Witness
Ephesians 1:21 – Christ is seated far above all dominion.
Colossians 1:16 – dominions are part of the created order.
Early Jewish and Christian Writings
Other texts expand on this theme:
Apocalypse of Zephaniah – angels called “lords” are seen in heaven.
1 Enoch 61:10 – angels of dominions listed among heavenly powers.
2 Enoch 20:1 – dominions appear in angelic hierarchies.
Apostolic Constitutions – prayer traditions mention dominions alongside thrones and authorities.
Though debated, these writings show that ancient believers considered dominions a real part of the spiritual world.
Implication
Dominion in the Bible teaches that unseen spiritual powers exist. Yet they are not to be feared, for they remain subject to the Creator.
3. Dominion and the Authority of Christ
Dominion reaches its true meaning in light of Christ. The New Testament emphasizes:
Christ’s resurrection placed him above all dominion (Ephesians 1:21).
All dominions were created by him and for him (Colossians 1:16).
No dominion, angelic or demonic, stands outside his rule.
This truth carries three important results:
Freedom from fear – believers need not dread unseen powers.
Victory in Christ – his triumph ensures their submission.
Security in salvation – the church is safe under his dominion.
The authority of Christ is central to the Gospel. The good news is not merely forgiveness but also deliverance from oppressive dominions.
4. Dominion and the Gospel
The theme of dominion in the Bible ties directly to the Gospel.
Christ disarms dominions: Colossians 2:15 describes Jesus triumphing over rulers and authorities.
Salvation is allegiance: to confess Christ as Lord is to acknowledge his dominion.
The church proclaims victory: the Lord’s Supper celebrates Christ’s once-for-all triumph.
Dominion is therefore not an abstract category. It becomes a practical reality in Christian life:
Worship declares Christ’s dominion.
Discipleship follows his lordship.
Mission proclaims his reign to all nations.
5. Dominion in the Last Days
The Bible also connects dominion to the last days. Revelation describes Christ as the “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). This confirms that every dominion, earthly and heavenly, will bow before him.
Consider three aspects of dominion in the last days:
Final victory: Christ’s dominion destroys all rival powers.
Eternal kingdom: Daniel 7:14 promises a dominion that will never pass away.
Hope for believers: Psalm 145:13 declares that God’s dominion endures through all generations.
Christ’s dominion frames the church’s present and future. His reign has begun, and his everlasting dominion will be revealed in fullness when all things are made new.
Conclusion
Dominion in the Bible reveals the supremacy of Christ over angels, powers, and all creation. The Greek term κυριότης points to both angelic classifications and the eternal authority of Jesus. Scripture makes clear that:
Dominions exist, but they are created beings.
Christ reigns far above every dominion.
The Gospel disarms their power.
The last days will display Christ’s dominion in fullness.
For Christians, dominion is not a threat but a promise of security and hope. The risen Lord rules now, and his dominion endures forever.
Bible Verses about Dominion
“Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (Ephesians 1:21)
“For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:16)
“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” (Colossians 2:15)
“Who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.” (1 Peter 3:22)
“To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” (Jude 1:25)
“And made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” (Revelation 1:6)
“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13)
“On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16)
“And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” (Daniel 7:14)
“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.” (Psalm 145:13)
