Dominion

2 connections across theological concepts

Connections

Theological

True dominion requires righteousness — memshalah exercised without tsedaqah becomes tyranny

Theological

Dominion (radah, exousia) and authority describe the same reality from different angles: dominion is the scope, authority is the delegated right to exercise it.

Etymology

Proto-Indo-European*dem- (house/household)(PIE)

To tame, have power over

Latin 'dominus' (lord/master) from 'domus' (house). Dominion = mastery over one's domain

Hebrew (Tanakh)מֶמְשָׁלָה (memshalah)(Hebrew)

To rule, have dominion, tread down

Also רָדָה (radah) — Genesis 1:28: 'Have dominion over the fish of the sea.' Implies stewardship, not tyranny

Greek (New Testament)κυριότης (kyriotēs)(Greek)

Lordship, dominion, ruling power

From kyrios (lord). Used in Ephesians 1:21 for divine authority above all powers and dominions

Arabic (Quran)مُلْك (mulk)(Arabic)

Sovereignty, kingdom, dominion

Al-Malik (The King/Sovereign) is one of the 99 Names. Surah 67 is Al-Mulk — 'The Sovereignty'

Sanskrit (Vedas)ऐश्वर्य (aishvarya)(Sanskrit)

Sovereignty, supreme rule, lordship

From Ishvara (Lord/God). One of the six divine opulences of Bhagavan described in the Vishnu Purana

Hebrew Roots

מָשַׁלmashal

to rule, have dominion, reign

מWater, waves - chaos, mighty, massiveשTeeth, fire - to consume, destroy, sharpלShepherd staff - authority, teaching, toward