Brief Overview of στήκω (Strong’s G4739: stēkō)

Strong’s G4739: A verb meaning “to stand firm, to persist,” derived from ἕστηκα (perfect of ἵστημι). In New Testament usage, it describes both physical standing and spiritual steadfastness, emphasizing resolute faithfulness and unwavering stance in faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

στήκω represents both physical posture and spiritual steadfastness. While it can describe literal standing, as in prayer contexts, it more often carries the metaphorical sense of standing firm in faith and doctrine. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts of both individual prayer posture and corporate spiritual warfare. Early church fathers emphasized this word when discussing perseverance in faith amid persecution. Today, it continues to express the vital importance of maintaining an unmovable stance in Christian faith and practice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στήκω, stēkō, STAY-ko
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stay) + ay (as in day) + ko (as in cope)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Late form derived from ἕστηκα (perfect of ἵστημι)
• Developed from perfect to present meaning
• Indicates continuous standing/persistence

D – Defining Meanings

• To stand firm
• To persist
• To remain steadfast
• To maintain position

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

Translation Options:

• “To stand firm” – emphasizes stability
• “To hold ground” – military metaphor
• “To persist” – emphasizes duration

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἵστημι (histēmi) [HIS-tay-mee] – to stand – See G2476
• μένω (menō) [MEN-o] – to remain – See G3306
• ἑδραῖος (hedraios) [hed-RAH-yos] – steadfast – See G1476

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present active: στήκω (I stand firm)
• Present imperative: στήκετε (stand firm!)
• Present participle: στήκων (standing firm)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes spiritual steadfastness. Thayer’s notes its development from perfect tense. LSJ documents late Greek usage. Vine’s highlights Christian persistence. Strong’s connects to foundational standing. LEH traces similar Septuagint concepts. Moulton and Milligan show epistolary usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 11:25: “And whenever you stand [στήκω] praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.”

Additional References:
Romans 14:4, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 5:1, Philippians 1:27, Philippians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 3:8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στήκω reveals the importance of unwavering faith and steadfast devotion. It proclaims the good news that in Christ we can stand firm against all spiritual opposition. This word challenges us to maintain our position in faith, both individually and as part of Christ’s body.

D – Did You Know?

• The word evolved from a perfect tense to express continuous action
• Early Christian martyrs used it to describe faithful endurance
• Military historians used it for holding battle positions

Strong’s G4739: A verb meaning “to stand firm, to persist,” derived from ἕστηκα (perfect of ἵστημι). In New Testament usage, it describes both physical standing and spiritual steadfastness, emphasizing resolute faithfulness and unwavering stance in faith.

Part of speech: Verb

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