Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for interpreting the New Testament and gaining insights into the cultural and historical context of ancient Greek society. The word ἐπισχύω (Strong’s G2001: epischýō) is particularly significant as it means “to strengthen” or “to prevail upon.” This verb is relevant for understanding passages that emphasize power, endurance, or influence, reflecting the dynamics of both physical and moral strength in Biblical and classical Greek texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐπισχύω (epischýō) [eh-pee-SKHOO-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the prefix ἐπί (epi), meaning “upon” or “over,” and the verb ἰσχύω (ischýō), meaning “to be strong” or “to prevail.” Together, they imply “to strengthen upon” or “to become more powerful.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; active voice.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To strengthen or fortify.
• To prevail or gain power over.
• To grow stronger or more forceful.

Similar Words: κραταιόω (krataióō) [kra-tai-OH-oh] also means “to strengthen” or “to make strong,” but it often carries a more physical connotation of fortifying or making something mighty. Episichýō emphasizes a broader sense of increasing strength or prevailing upon a situation or individual.

Further Insights: The verb ἐπισχύω is a compound word that combines the ideas of strength and emphasis. It is used in contexts where there is a need to convey the sense of becoming stronger, either literally (physically) or metaphorically (morally or spiritually). This word often appears in the New Testament in contexts that suggest the growth of power, influence, or endurance.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
ἐπισχύω is defined as “to make strong” or “to gain strength,” especially in contexts where one needs to become more forceful or prevail over a challenge or opposition. It is used metaphorically to describe both physical and spiritual strengthening.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Describes epischýō as “to strengthen” or “to gain power upon,” often in situations involving conflict, endurance, or the need to gain the upper hand. The term is also used to convey the sense of becoming more confident or assertive.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Notes that epischýō conveys the idea of prevailing or growing stronger, particularly in the sense of overcoming obstacles or gaining authority. It can be used both literally (strengthening a position) and figuratively (strengthening one’s resolve).

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Highlights that epischýō can mean “to prevail upon” or “to gain force,” often in classical Greek texts where it denotes an increase in strength or power, whether in battle, argument, or influence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines epischýō as “to prevail,” focusing on its usage in the New Testament to describe situations where strength, authority, or influence is needed or gained.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 23:23: “And they were instant with loud voices, requiring that he might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed [ἐπέσχυσαν (epéschysan)].”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐπισχύω (G2001: epischýō)

The Greek word ἐπισχύω (epischýō), meaning “to strengthen” or “to prevail upon,” is a verb that captures the concept of gaining strength, whether physically, morally, or spiritually. In the New Testament, it is used to describe situations where voices or opinions gain the upper hand, as seen in Luke 23:23 during the trial of Jesus. The word also appears in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it frequently denotes the process of becoming stronger or more powerful, either in preparation for conflict or in the pursuit of virtue. Understanding epischýō provides valuable insights into the ancient Greek mindset on strength, endurance, and authority, both in physical and moral contexts.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐπισχύω is a compound of two Greek elements that literally mean “to make strong upon”? This combination vividly conveys the idea of gaining strength or power in a focused or intensified manner, reflecting the importance of fortitude and resilience in both ancient Greek thought and Biblical teachings.