So I was trying to build a list of all the people in the Bible called Lord (English term, not YHWH for example), except God (in any form)? For example, a conversation where one says to another, "Yes, my Lord", "Lord we have come bearing gifts..", etc.
I tried a few Smart searches but the results were not so great. Interestingly enough, when I struck out there, I asked ChatGPT 'Who are all the people in the Bible called Lord that are not God?", and I got a pretty good list. I am wondering if this is complete:
Rulers, Kings, and Nobles
These are often called “my lord” as a title of respect or submission:
• Pharaoh – Genesis 40:1; 44:18 (Joseph’s brothers call Pharaoh “my lord”)
• King Saul – 1 Samuel 24:8 (David says “my lord the king”)
• King David – 2 Samuel 1:10; Psalm 110:1 (“The Lord said to my lord” — here, David is likely being referred to)
• King Solomon – 1 Kings 1:17 (“my lord the king” used by Bathsheba)
• Ahab – 1 Kings 20:4 (his servants say “my lord, O king”)
• Nebuchadnezzar – Daniel 4:19 (“my lord” used by Daniel)
• Artaxerxes – Ezra 7:12 (“Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest… greetings” — though not called “lord” directly, treated with equivalent reverence)
⸻
Respected Men or Masters
Servants or others often used “lord” for their earthly masters:
• Abraham – Called “lord” by Sarah in Genesis 18:12 and by his servant in Genesis 24:12.
• Joseph – Genesis 42:10 (“Nay, my lord” — his brothers speaking)
• Laban – Genesis 31:35 (Rachel refers to him as “my lord”)
• Boaz – Ruth 2:13 (Ruth refers to him as “my lord”)
• Naaman – 2 Kings 5:1–18 (his servants call him “my lord”)
• Elijah/Elisha – 2 Kings 2:16 (“Behold now, there be with thy servants fifty strong men…” — called “my lord” out of respect)
⸻
In Parables or Jesus’ Teachings
“Lord” is used for figures in stories symbolizing God or human authority:
• The master of the vineyard – Matthew 20:8 (called “lord” in some translations)
• The nobleman in Luke 19:11–27 (parable of the minas) is called “lord” by his servants
• The bridegroom in Matthew 25:11 (parable of the ten virgins)
⸻
New Testament Usage
In Greek, kyrios means “lord” or “master,” and is used in these ways:
• Roman authorities – Acts 25:26 (“lord” used in reference to the emperor)
• Master/slave relationships – Ephesians 6:5 (slaves, obey your earthly lords—translated “masters”)
• Sarah to Abraham – 1 Peter 3:6 (reference back to Genesis)
Any ideas? Thanks!
