3rd person plural present subjunctive of the verb obey, i.e. the will of those who have power or authority. Third persons of the present subjunctive more than desire indicated mandate, i.e. equivalent or substitute the imperative, which brings us to the meaning and legitimacy of power or vertical authority. My experience tells me that the authority cannot be imposed and less arbitrarily, but in any case, is something achieved by recognition of others and can never be used to harm. If used to harm someone has no legitimacy. All this reminds me of the Kant brochure: what is enlightenment?: officer says: not reasons, train you. Financial: not reasons, pay. Priest: no reasons, believes.
