κραταιόω

I strengthen, confirm, grow strong

Definition

The verb κραταιόω means to strengthen, make strong, or confirm. In its active voice, it describes the action of empowering someone or something, as when Paul urges believers to 'be strong' (1 Corinthians 16:13) or prays for the Ephesians to be 'strengthened with power' by God's Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). In its passive voice, it signifies the process of growing strong or becoming robust, used literally for the physical and spiritual maturation of the child Jesus (Luke 2:40) and John the Baptist (Luke 1:80).

Biblical Usage

This verb appears four times in the New Testament, exclusively in Luke and Paul's writings. In Luke's Gospel (Luke 1:80, 2:40), it describes the natural, holistic growth—both physical and spiritual—of John the Baptist and Jesus as children. In the epistles (1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 3:16), it is used in an imperative or prayer context, calling for spiritual strengthening through divine agency for Christian living and inner fortitude.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective κραταιός (krataios, G2900), meaning 'mighty' or 'strong,' which itself comes from κράτος (kratos), meaning 'power,' 'might,' or 'dominion.' The verb form carries the sense of 'to make strong' or 'to empower,' sharing a root with significant theological terms like κύριος (Lord) and concepts of God's sovereign power.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it connects human growth and strength directly to divine empowerment. In Luke, the growth of Jesus and John underscores the incarnation and God's preparation of His servants. In Paul's usage, it highlights that Christian strength is not self-generated but is a work of God's Spirit within the believer (Ephesians 3:16), foundational to doctrines of sanctification, grace, and dependence on God. Understanding this enriches reading by emphasizing that biblical 'strength' is often a receipt of divine power for godly living.

In the Greco-Roman world, strength (κραταιός) was highly valued, often associated with physical might, political power, or moral fortitude in philosophy. The New Testament usage, however, frequently redirects this concept inward and spiritualizes it, tying true strength to relational dependence on God and the inner working of the Holy Spirit, contrasting with purely human or worldly ideals of power.

δυναμόω (dynamoō, G1412) — to empower, often with a focus on inherent ability or miraculous power; ἐνισχύω (enischyō, G1743) — to strengthen, with a nuance of infusing strength or becoming strong in a situation; στερεόω (stereoō, G4732) — to make firm, solid, or steadfast, often in faith or resolve.

Word Details

Scripture References