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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies allows for a deeper comprehension of the original texts and their nuanced meanings. The Greek adjective κραταιός (krataios) is particularly significant because it appears in 1 Peter 5:6, describing God’s “mighty hand.” This word is essential for interpreting New Testament passages that emphasize God’s strength and authority, as well as for understanding its broader connotations in ancient Greek culture, where it conveyed power, might, and endurance.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κραταιός (krataios) [kra-tai-OS]

Etymology: The word κραταιός is derived from the root κράτος (kratos), meaning “strength,” “power,” or “dominion.” This root is common in words that express authority or physical might, reflecting the concept of power that is firm and enduring.

Part of Speech: Adjective. κραταιός is a masculine adjective of the first and second declensions, appearing in different forms depending on its gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and grammatical case.

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Defining Meanings

Mighty or Strong: The primary meaning of κραταιός is “mighty” or “strong,” often used to describe individuals, gods, or forces that possess great power.

Powerful or Dominant: It can also convey the idea of “powerful” or “dominant,” especially when used to describe rulers or deities who wield authority and command respect.

Enduring or Resolute: In some contexts, κραταιός implies a sense of being “enduring” or “resolute,” suggesting not just raw power but also steadfastness and the ability to withstand challenges.

Exploring Similar Words

ἰσχυρός (ischyros) [is-khoo-ROS]: This word also means “strong” or “mighty,” but it often emphasizes physical strength or intensity rather than authority or dominance. It is frequently used in contexts related to warfare or physical prowess.

δυνατός (dynatos) [doo-nah-TOS]: Meaning “able” or “powerful,” δυνατός highlights capability or potential, often focusing on the ability to achieve something rather than inherent might or power.

μεγάς (megas) [MEH-gas]: While μεγάς means “great” or “large,” it can also denote greatness in terms of power or influence. However, it lacks the specific emphasis on strength and endurance found in κραταιός.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: κραταιός is an adjective that can appear in masculine, feminine, and neuter forms, adapting to the noun it modifies. It follows the first and second declension patterns in Greek, with different endings for each gender and case.

Declension: The declension of κραταιός varies depending on its gender, number, and case, as shown in the tables below for the masculine, feminine, and neuter forms.

Masculine:

Feminine:

Neuter:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term κραταιός is consistently defined across Greek lexicons as denoting strength, might, and power. In the New Testament, it appears in 1 Peter 5:6 to describe God’s “mighty hand,” emphasizing His supreme authority and power over all creation. In classical Greek, the word was used to describe both human and divine strength, often in contexts of battle, leadership, or endurance. Theologically, κραταιός underlines God’s ability to protect, judge, and guide, presenting a God who is not only loving but also powerful and just. This duality of might and care is essential for understanding the nature of divine power in Christian thought.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1 Peter 5:6: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty (κραταιός) hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κραταιός (krataios) is central to understanding biblical descriptions of strength and authority. Its use in the New Testament, particularly in 1 Peter 5:6, emphasizes God’s mighty and protective power. The word carries a rich connotation of not just raw strength but also the endurance and authority to rule justly. Its presence in both classical Greek literature and the Septuagint shows how concepts of might and power were vital in both secular and religious contexts, offering a broad view of what it means to be “mighty” in both human and divine terms.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word κραταιός is often used in the Septuagint to describe God’s strength, highlighting His ability to save and protect His people.

Did you know? κραταιός is closely related to the English word “crater,” which originally described the strong, deep impression left on the earth’s surface.

Did you know? In Greek mythology, κραταιός was used to describe the might of gods like Zeus, underlining their supreme power and authority over the cosmos.