Despotes — Sovereign Master
אָדוֹן
Absolute Master, Sovereign Lord — the strongest Greek word for ownership, prayed by Simeon and the persecuted church.
A slave's word for an owner — chosen deliberately by people gladly owned. Both traditions read in it the paradox that belonging utterly to this Master is the only real freedom.
First occurrence
Luke 2:29 — Simeon with the infant Messiah: 'Now, Despota, dismiss Your servant in peace'
Key passages
Acts 4:24 — The church under threat: 'Despota, You made heaven and earth'
Rev 6:10 — The martyrs: 'How long, O Despotes, holy and true?'
In the Greek Scriptures
Δεσπότης