This verb describes the abuse of power against the vulnerable. James 2:6 rebukes the church for showing favoritism to the rich, asking, 'Is it not the rich who oppress (καταδυναστεύουσιν) you, and drag you into court?' The term indicts systemic exploitation of the poor by the powerful. In Acts 10:38, Peter preaches that Jesus 'went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed (καταδυναστευομένους) by the devil,' where oppression is demonic as well as social. The word thus spans economic injustice and spiritual tyranny, both forms of domination God opposes through Christ's liberating ministry.