Brief Overview of στερεόω (Strong's G4732: stereoō)

Strong’s G4732: A verb meaning “to make firm, strengthen, or establish.” In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts of both physical healing and spiritual strengthening, particularly in Acts where it describes both miraculous physical restoration and the strengthening of faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

στερεόω represents the action of making something firm or strong. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in the healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate, where it describes the strengthening of his feet and ankles. Beyond physical healing, it also describes the strengthening of faith and spiritual foundations. Early church fathers used this term to describe both physical healing and spiritual empowerment through divine intervention. Today, it continues to express God’s power to bring both physical and spiritual strength to His people.

N – Necessary Information

Greek Word: στερεόω, stereoō, ster-eh-OH-o
Detailed pronunciation: ster (as in stair) + eh (as in bet) + oh (as in go)
Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

From στερεός (stereos) – firm, solid
-όω (-oō) suffix – forms causative verbs
Indicates making something firm/solid

D – Defining Meanings

To make firm
To strengthen
To establish
To solidify
To make strong

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

Translation Options:

“To strengthen” – emphasizes process
“To make firm” – captures physical aspect
“To establish” – suggests permanence

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E – Exploring Similar Words

βεβαιόω (bebaioō) [beb-ay-OH-o] – to confirm, establish – See G950
κραταιόω (krataioō) [krat-ay-OH-o] – to strengthen – See G2901
ἐνδυναμόω (endynamoō) [en-doo-nam-OH-o] – to empower – See G1743

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist, Perfect
Voice: Active, Passive
Mood: Indicative, Participle
Person: First, Second, Third
Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

Present passive: στερεοῦμαι (I am being strengthened)
Aorist passive: ἐστερεώθην (I was strengthened)
Perfect passive: ἐστερέωμαι (I have been strengthened)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual strengthening. Thayer’s notes its development from physical to spiritual usage. LSJ documents technical usage in construction. Vine’s highlights its miraculous contexts. Strong’s connects it to making firm. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show medical usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 3:7: “And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength [στερεόω].”

Additional References:
Acts 3:16, Acts 16:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Hippocrates: On Fractures	“The bone was strengthened [στερεόω] through proper setting.”
Aristotle: Meteorology	“The clay becomes hardened [στερεόω] by the heat.”
Xenophon: Cyropaedia	“They strengthened [στερεόω] the walls of the city.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

στερεόω reveals God’s power to strengthen both body and spirit. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah brings complete restoration – physical, spiritual, and communal. This word reminds us that divine strengthening touches every aspect of human need and establishes us firmly in faith.

D – Did You Know?

Ancient medical texts used this term for bone healing
Early Christian healing accounts often employed this word
The term was used in architecture for reinforcing structures

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: strengthening, healing, restoration, miracles, faith, establishment, physical-healing, spiritual-strengthening, divine-power, miraculous-works, apostolic-ministry, church-growth, healing-miracle, Acts-miracles, spiritual-empowerment

Brief Overview of στερεόω (Strong’s G4732: stereoō)