This verb means to act as judge, umpire, or arbitrator—to exercise decisive authority in settling disputes or directing affairs. In Colossians 3:15, Paul exhorts believers to let Christ's peace rule or arbitrate in their hearts. The athletic imagery of an umpire making final calls fits the context of settling internal conflicts and making decisions. Classical usage emphasizes both judicial arbitration and controlling direction. The translations vary: Spanish gobierne ("govern/rule"), German herrschen ("rule"), French retaining the Greek, all pointing to peace functioning as the decisive arbiter of Christian community life.