Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for interpreting the New Testament and appreciating the cultural context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπιστηρίζω (Strong’s G1991: epistērízō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of strengthening or establishing someone or something firmly. This verb is essential for understanding themes of spiritual growth, encouragement, and support found in the New Testament, as well as for grasping its broader use in ancient Greek literature.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐπιστηρίζω (epistērízō) [eh-pee-stay-REE-zoh]
- Etymology: Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb στηρίζω (stērízō), meaning “to make firm” or “to establish.” Together, they imply “to firmly establish upon” or “to strengthen.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To strengthen or support.
- To establish firmly or make secure.
- To encourage or reinforce.
Similar Words: στηρίζω (stērízō) [stay-REE-zoh] also means “to establish” or “to strengthen,” but epistērízō emphasizes the added notion of building upon something or reinforcing something that is already in place.
Further Insights: The verb ἐπιστηρίζω is often used in the context of spiritual or moral strengthening, especially within the early Christian community. It appears in various forms depending on tense and voice. This verb’s application often involves both an internal strengthening of one’s resolve and an external support provided to others.
| Tense | Form |
|---|---|
| Present | ἐπιστηρίζω |
| Future | ἐπιστηρίσω |
| Aorist | ἐπεστήριξα |
| Perfect | ἐπεστήρικα |
| Perfect Middle | ἐπεστήρισμαι |
| Aorist Passive | ἐπεστηρίχθην |
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
ἐπιστηρίζω is defined as “to strengthen” or “to establish firmly.” It is often used in contexts where there is a need to reinforce or support someone, particularly in a moral or spiritual sense.
Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epistērízō as “to fix” or “to make firm,” often in relation to encouraging or confirming believers in their faith. It is typically used to signify the act of making something steadfast or stable.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Highlights that epistērízō implies a strong action of support or reinforcement. It often appears in exhortative contexts where there is a need to build up faith or commitment.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Focuses on the broader use of epistērízō in classical Greek literature, where it is applied to both physical and metaphorical forms of support, such as fortifying a structure or reinforcing an argument.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epistērízō as “to set fast” or “to support.” It emphasizes its use in New Testament passages where the act of encouraging or strengthening believers is a focal point.
Related Scripture References
- Acts 14:22: “Confirming [ἐπιστηρίζοντες (epistērízontes)] the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.”
- Acts 15:32: “And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed [ἐπιστηρίσαντες (epistērísantes)] them.”
- Acts 15:41: “And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming [ἐπιστηρίζων (epistērízōn)] the churches.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Polybius | Histories | “The general fortified (ἐπιστηρίζων) his position with additional troops.” |
| Plutarch | Lives | “He encouraged (ἐπιστήριξεν) his soldiers with words of hope before the battle.” |
| Aristotle | Politics | “To stabilize (ἐπιστηρίζειν) the government, he enacted several reforms.” |
| Septuagint | Psalms 112:8 (LXX) | “His heart is established (ἐπιστηρίζεται), he shall not be afraid, until he sees his desire upon his enemies.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 35:3 (LXX) | “Strengthen ye (ἐπιστηρίξατε) the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.” |
| Septuagint | Jeremiah 23:14 (LXX) | “I have also seen in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they strengthen (ἐπιστηρίζουσιν) the hands of evildoers.” |
Summary of ἐπιστηρίζω (G1991: epistērízō)
The Greek word ἐπιστηρίζω (epistērízō), meaning “to strengthen” or “to establish firmly,” is a verb that carries significant weight in Biblical contexts. It emphasizes the importance of building up and reinforcing both spiritually and morally, especially within the early Christian communities as seen in Acts. The term is also present in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it frequently refers to providing support, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. The word’s use across different contexts underscores its importance in describing acts of encouragement, support, and fortification.
Did You Know?
Did you know that ἐπιστηρίζω is a compound word combining the idea of “standing upon” with “making firm”? This compound nature reflects its dual application in both literal and metaphorical contexts, such as fortifying walls or encouraging someone’s faith, illustrating the richness of Greek language in conveying layered meanings.
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