Introduction
Understanding Greek words is fundamental in Biblical studies, as it helps illuminate the deeper meanings within scripture. The Greek word ἐνισχύω (enisxýō) is particularly significant because it conveys concepts of strength and empowerment. This verb is used in the New Testament to describe the act of strengthening or being strong, often in the context of spiritual or moral fortitude. Exploring the meaning of ἐνισχύω provides insight into how early Christians and ancient Greeks understood inner strength, courage, and resilience.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐνισχύω (enisxýō) [en-is-KHEW-oh]
- Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + ἰσχύς (ischýs, “strength” or “might”). The combination implies “to put strength in” or “to empower.”
- Part of Speech: Verb. It follows the standard conjugation patterns for regular -ω verbs in Koine Greek.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To strengthen — to make stronger or more resilient, both physically and spiritually.
- To empower — to give power or strength to someone or something.
- To be strong — to possess strength, especially in the face of adversity or challenge.
Similar Words: κραταιόω (krataióō) [kra-tai-OH-oh] also means “to strengthen” or “to become strong,” but it often refers to physical or military strength. ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō) [en-dy-na-MO-oh] also means “to empower” or “to strengthen,” but it emphasizes more internal or moral strength. ἐνισχύω focuses on both internal and external strengthening and can apply to various contexts, including personal empowerment and communal encouragement.
Further Insights: ἐνισχύω is a compound verb combining ἐν (“in”) with ἰσχύς (“strength”), which directly translates to “to put strength in.” It is a typical -ω verb, following regular conjugation patterns. Its usage implies an active process of becoming strong or strengthening others, making it a versatile term in both secular and spiritual contexts. Since it is a standard verb, it does not have a full declension chart like nouns or adjectives but follows the standard verb conjugations in Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἐνισχύω is defined as “to make strong” or “to strengthen,” with an emphasis on providing support or power, particularly in times of need. It is used to describe both divine and human acts of strengthening or fortification.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon highlights ἐνισχύω as “to strengthen,” especially in a moral or spiritual sense. It is often used in contexts where an individual or community is being empowered to face difficulties or challenges, with divine support implied in many cases.
Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary explains ἐνισχύω as “to strengthen” or “to make strong.” It is frequently used in New Testament contexts to denote spiritual fortitude or the strengthening of faith, especially by God.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon describes ἐνισχύω as a verb meaning “to make strong,” “to strengthen,” or “to fortify.” It provides examples from both Biblical and classical Greek texts, highlighting its broad application from physical to spiritual contexts.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines ἐνισχύω as “to strengthen” or “to empower.” The concordance emphasizes its frequent use in situations where strength is needed, often in a moral or spiritual sense.
Scripture References
- Luke 22:43 — “And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening (ἐνισχύων) him.”
- Acts 9:19 — “And when he had received meat, he was strengthened (ἐνισχύθη). Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.”
- Acts 11:23 — “Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord, strengthened (ἐνισχύω) in faith.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “The gods strengthened (ἐνισχύω) the warriors for the coming battle.” |
| Aristotle | Politics | “A leader must strengthen (ἐνισχύω) his people, not just with laws, but with encouragement and hope.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “They fortified their city walls, determined to be strengthened (ἐνισχύω) against any invader.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Chronicles 16:9 | “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show himself strong (ἐνισχύω) on behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.” |
| Septuagint | Daniel 10:19 | “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong (ἐνισχύω), yea, be strong.” |
Summary of ἐνισχύω (G1765)
ἐνισχύω (enisxýō) is a Greek verb that means “to strengthen” or “to empower.” It is used in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe the act of becoming strong, making others strong, or being strengthened by external or divine means. This verb is crucial in understanding passages that deal with spiritual empowerment, resilience in trials, and the role of divine support. Its applications range from the physical strengthening of individuals to the spiritual empowerment of communities, demonstrating its versatility and importance in both religious and secular contexts.
Did You Know?
In early Christian texts, ἐνισχύω often appears in contexts where spiritual or moral strength is needed. For example, in Luke 22:43, Jesus is strengthened by an angel before his arrest, symbolizing divine empowerment during a moment of great trial. This usage highlights how early Christians viewed strength not merely as a physical attribute but as a spiritual gift bestowed by God in times of need.
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