ἰσχύς

strength, power

Definition

ἰσχύς refers to inherent strength, power, or might. It often denotes physical or military force, as seen when the angelic beings in 2 Peter 2:11 possess greater 'might' than human authorities. More significantly, it describes the divine power of God, particularly His omnipotence manifested in salvation and judgment. Ephesians 1:19 speaks of the immeasurable greatness of God's 'power' (ἰσχύς) toward believers, and 2 Thessalonians 1:9 warns of eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His 'might'. In the Great Commandment passages (Mark 12:30, 33; Luke 10:27), it signifies the totality of one's personal capacity or strength in loving God.

Biblical Usage

ἰσχύς is used 11 times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Epistles, and one General Epistle. Its usage splits between human and divine contexts. In the Synoptic Gospels, it is used exclusively in the Great Commandment to describe loving God with all one's strength. In the Epistles, it is applied almost exclusively to God's power: either as a source for believers (Ephesians 1:19; 6:10; 1 Peter 4:11) or as an attribute of His judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:9). The single non-divine, creaturely use is in 2 Peter 2:11, referring to angelic might.

Etymology

Derived from the verb ἰσχύω (ischyō, G2480), meaning 'to be strong, have power'. The noun ἰσχύς fundamentally denotes the state or quality of being strong. It is a classical Greek term for bodily strength, force, or power, and this core meaning carried directly into Koine Greek and the New Testament.

Semantic Range

ἰσχύς is a key term for understanding God's omnipotence, especially as it is directed toward His people and His purposes. It highlights that the power available to the Christian is not innate but derived from God's own inherent might (Ephesians 6:10). This distinguishes it from mere human ability. In the Great Commandment, it calls for the consecration of one's entire personal capacity and resources to God. Understanding ἰσχύς enriches reading by clarifying that biblical 'strength' is often about divine empowerment for life and mission, not self-reliance.

In the Greco-Roman world, ἰσχύς was a valued attribute, associated with physical prowess, military victory, and political power. The New Testament frequently subverts this cultural understanding by applying the term primarily to God's spiritual power and moral authority, which far surpass and often contradict worldly conceptions of strength (e.g., divine power shown in Christ's crucifixion and resurrection).

δύναμις (dynamis, G1411) — emphasizes inherent ability, power to perform, or miraculous power. κράτος (kratos, G2904) — emphasizes manifested power, dominion, or victorious strength, often in a ruling context. ἐξουσία (exousia, G1849) — emphasizes delegated authority or right to act, more about permission and jurisdiction than raw power.

Word Details

Scripture References