root of our English word despot) describes a ruler with absolute power over his subjects. Both words are used in reference to Christ as Lord in the New Testament. In John 13:13, for instance, Jesus took the title kurios for Himself: “You call Me Teacher and Lord [kurios]; and you are right, for so I am.” Jude 4 employs both words in parallel fashion: “Ungodly persons . . . turn the grace of our God into licentiousness and deny our only Master [despotes] and Lord [kurios], Jesus Christ.” Both words belonged