Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the meaning and usage of Greek words is essential for interpreting the New Testament accurately and deeply. The Greek word ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō) is one such term that carries significant theological and practical implications. This word, which appears in various contexts, conveys the idea of empowerment, strengthening, or being made strong. It is particularly relevant in discussions of spiritual empowerment and the work of God in equipping believers for their spiritual journey. Exploring ἐνδυναμόω helps us understand how the New Testament writers expressed the concept of divine strength and how this strength manifests in the lives of believers.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō) [en-doo-nam-OH-oh]
• Etymology: The word is derived from ἐν (en), meaning “in,” and δυναμόω (dynamóō), which is from δύναμις (dýnamis), meaning “power” or “strength.” The root idea is “to put strength into” or “to empower.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (Present Active Indicative; 1st person singular, 1st person plural)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Empower: The primary meaning of ἐνδυναμόω is to empower or to infuse with strength. It is often used to describe the act of God granting strength to believers, enabling them to endure trials or accomplish His will.
• To Strengthen: Another key meaning is to strengthen, both in a physical and spiritual sense. This strengthening is often portrayed as something granted by a divine source.
• To Be Made Strong: In some contexts, ἐνδυναμόω can mean “to be made strong” or “to become strong,” emphasizing the process of receiving strength over time.

Similar Words:

• ἰσχυρόω (ischyroō) [is-khoo-ROH-oh]: Meaning “to make strong” or “to strengthen,” this word shares a similar meaning with ἐνδυναμόω but is often used in contexts where physical or moral strength is emphasized.
• κατισχύω (katischyō) [ka-tis-KHOO-oh]: Meaning “to prevail” or “to overpower,” this word focuses more on the outcome of strength, such as victory or overcoming, rather than the process of being empowered.
• ἐπιστηρίζω (epistērízō) [e-pis-tay-RID-zo]: Meaning “to support” or “to strengthen,” this term is similar to ἐνδυναμόω but often carries a connotation of providing stability or reinforcement.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐνδυναμόω is a verb in the present active indicative, which indicates ongoing action. This suggests that the act of empowering or being made strong is not a one-time event but a continual process.
• Linguistic Features: The prefix ἐν (en) adds a nuance of being “in” or “within,” highlighting the internal aspect of strength—this empowerment comes from within, often understood as being granted by the Holy Spirit or God.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐνδυναμόω as “to make strong” or “to strengthen,” often in the context of spiritual empowerment. The lexicon emphasizes the word’s use in passages where God is the one who provides strength to believers.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon notes that ἐνδυναμόω is used to express the concept of being filled with strength, particularly divine strength. It highlights the word’s role in describing the transformative power of God in the life of a believer.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon places ἐνδυναμόω within the broader context of classical Greek, where it means “to strengthen” or “to empower,” often used in a military or physical sense. This background provides insight into how the New Testament writers adapted the term for spiritual application.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary highlights the metaphorical use of ἐνδυναμόω in the New Testament, particularly in passages that describe the believer’s inner strength being renewed by God. The dictionary underscores the importance of this term in understanding spiritual growth and resilience.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s concordance lists ἐνδυναμόω as “to be made strong” or “to empower,” focusing on its usage in contexts where believers are equipped by God to face challenges or fulfill their calling.

Scripture References

• Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens (ἐνδυναμόω) me.”
• 2 Timothy 2:1 – “You then, my child, be strong (ἐνδυναμόω) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
• Ephesians 6:10 – “Finally, be strong (ἐνδυναμόω) in the Lord and in the strength of his might.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐνδυναμόω (G1743: endynamóō)

The Greek word ἐνδυναμόω (endynamóō) plays a crucial role in the New Testament, where it primarily conveys the idea of being empowered or strengthened by God. This term encapsulates both the process of receiving strength and the outcome of being made strong. It is used to describe the spiritual empowerment that believers receive, enabling them to live out their faith, face challenges, and fulfill their God-given purposes. By understanding ἐνδυναμόω, we gain deeper insight into how the New Testament portrays the Christian life as one of continual reliance on divine strength.

Did You Know?

The word ἐνδυναμόω is closely related to the word δύναμις (dýnamis), which is the root for the English word “dynamite.” Just as dynamite has explosive power, ἐνδυναμόω conveys the idea of receiving powerful inner strength, often seen as the spiritual “dynamite” that fuels the believer’s life.