Brief Overview of στηρίζω (Strong’s G4741: stērizō)

Strong’s G4741: A verb meaning “to fix firmly, establish, strengthen.” In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’ resolute determination to go to Jerusalem to the apostolic ministry of strengthening believers and churches in faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

στηρίζω represents both physical and spiritual strengthening or establishing. Its range extends from expressing fixed determination (as in Jesus setting His face toward Jerusalem) to describing the pastoral work of strengthening believers in faith. The word carries architectural imagery of establishing firm foundations while applying it to spiritual growth. Early church fathers used this term for both individual spiritual formation and church establishment. Today, it continues to express the vital need for spiritual strengthening and resolute purpose in Christian life.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στηρίζω, stērizō, stay-RID-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: stay (as in stay) + rid (as in rid) + zo (as in zone)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Related to στερεός (solid, firm)
• -ίζω (-izō) suffix – forms causative verbs
• Indicates making firm/strong

D – Defining Meanings

• To establish firmly
• To strengthen
• To fix resolutely
• To support
• To confirm

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple verb

Translation Options:

• “To strengthen” – emphasizes empowerment
• “To establish” – architectural metaphor
• “To fix firmly” – emphasizes resolution

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βεβαιόω (bebaioō) [beb-ay-OH-o] – to confirm, establish – See G950
• ἐπιστηρίζω (epistērizō) [ep-ee-stay-RID-zo] – to strengthen further – See G1991
• στερεόω (stereoō) [ster-eh-OH-o] – to make firm – See G4732

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present active: στηρίζω (I strengthen)
• Aorist active: ἐστήριξα (I strengthened)
• Future active: στηρίξω (I will strengthen)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual strengthening. Thayer’s notes its architectural origins. LSJ documents technical construction usage. Vine’s highlights pastoral applications. Strong’s connects to firm establishment. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show administrative contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 9:51: “Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set [στηρίζω] His face to go to Jerusalem.”

Additional References:
Luke 22:32, Romans 1:11, Romans 16:25, 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, James 5:8, 1 Peter 5:10

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στηρίζω reveals both Christ’s resolute purpose and His ongoing work of strengthening His people. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah not only demonstrated unwavering commitment to His saving mission but also establishes and strengthens His followers. This word reminds us that Christian growth requires both divine strengthening and resolute purpose.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient builders used this term for reinforcing structures
• Early church letters often included this word in benedictions
• The word appears in medical texts for setting broken bones

Strong’s G4741: A verb meaning “to fix firmly, establish, strengthen.” In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’ resolute determination to go to Jerusalem to the apostolic ministry of strengthening believers and churches in faith.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: strengthening, establishment, resolution, spiritual-growth, church-building, pastoral-care, determination, spiritual-foundation, apostolic-ministry, Christian-maturity, divine-strengthening, steadfastness, spiritual-formation, church-strengthening, pastoral-ministry​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​