The Two Reigns: Rulership (Basileuō) vs. Governance (Kratēsis) 👑
The Book of Revelation states that the saints will reign with Christ for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4, 6). The New Testament uses two distinct Greek words for different types of “reigning” or “power,” and the distinction clarifies the authoritative nature of the Millennium.
1. The Reign of Sovereignty: Basileuō (βασιλϵυˊω)
- Meaning: This is the verb form of Basileus (king). It means to exercise royal power, to rule as king, or to be sovereign. It implies the supreme, regal authority.
- Theological Focus: Basileuō describes Christ’s ultimate authority and the sovereign position given to the resurrected saints. Revelation 20:6 states that the resurrected saints will be priests of God and of Christ, and they “will reign (basileuō) with him for a thousand years.”
- The Shocking Tie: This word affirms that the saints will possess genuine, sovereign kingly authority over the earth. Their rule is not merely symbolic or advisory; it is the executive, royal administration of Christ’s kingdom on earth.
Basileuō is the sovereign right to rule as king.
2. The Reign of Power: Kratēsis (κραˊτησις)
- Meaning: This word refers to power, dominion, or might—the exercise of firm control. It is often translated as “dominion” and implies a strong, effective governing hand.
- Theological Focus: Kratēsis describes the active enforcement of the sovereign’s will. It is the raw administrative power needed to govern. This word is typically used to describe God’s own mighty control. For instance, Jude 25 ascribes to God “glory, majesty, dominion (kratēsis), and authority.”
- The Contrast: While the saints are given the sovereign right (Basileuō), Christ retains the ultimate active dominion (Kratēsis) during the Millennium. This ensures that the thousand-year rule is executed with perfect, unwavering power and control emanating from Christ.
The Eschatological Conclusion
The millennial reign is the ultimate expression of the two powers:
- The resurrected saints are granted the title and office to rule (Basileuō) over the mortal inhabitants of the earth.
- Their reign is perfectly supported and executed by Christ’s unwavering dominion (Kratēsis), ensuring there is no rebellion, corruption, or failure in the administration of justice.
The ultimate shocking truth is that the final stage of the Church’s work is not passive praise, but active, administrative governance over the earth, serving as Christ’s royal vice-regents.
The Return Question
If the Millennium requires the resurrected saints to exercise sovereign rulership (Basileuō), what aspect of personal discipline are you currently treating as a passive waiting game instead of actively developing the character, wisdom, and authority required to govern in Christ’s future kingdom?