κράτος

dominion, strength, power

Definition

Κράτος refers to the power, might, or dominion that is actively exercised, often implying a display of strength or a ruling authority. In the New Testament, it most frequently describes the inherent and demonstrated power of God, such as His mighty deeds (Luke 1:51) or the working of His great strength for believers (Ephesians 1:19). It can also denote the dominion or power held by earthly rulers or spiritual forces, as seen in the 'dominion of darkness' (Colossians 1:13, implied in context) and the power of death (Hebrews 2:14). The word emphasizes power in its active expression and authoritative control.

Biblical Usage

Κράτος is used primarily in doxological contexts and passages describing God's nature and actions. It appears in hymns of praise (1 Timothy 6:16, 1 Peter 4:11), prayers for spiritual strength (Ephesians 6:10, Colossians 1:11), and descriptions of God's historical intervention (Luke 1:51). The word is concentrated in the Pauline and Petrine epistles, highlighting its theological weight. A notable pattern is its use to describe the power of God's word growing and prevailing, as in Acts 19:20.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *kret-, meaning 'strength' or 'power.' It is a primary noun in ancient Greek, forming the basis for verbs like κρατέω (krateō, 'to seize, hold fast,' G2902) and adjectives like κραταιός (krataios, 'mighty,' G2900). In classical Greek, it often signified sovereign power, especially in political or military contexts, a sense carried into the biblical language.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the nature of God's power in the New Testament. It distinguishes God's inherent, sovereign dominion (His κράτος) from other Greek words for power like δύναμις (dynamis, 'inherent ability') or ἐξουσία (exousia, 'delegated authority'). It underscores doctrines of God's sovereignty, Christ's victory over evil powers (Hebrews 2:14), and the spiritual strength available to believers through Christ (Ephesians 6:10, Colossians 1:11). Recognizing this active, ruling dimension of power enriches reading, showing God's might is not passive but decisively at work.

In the Greco-Roman world, κράτος was a term loaded with political and military connotations, referring to the ruling power of the state, empire, or a victorious army. For New Testament readers, applying this word to God and Christ would have been a direct counter-claim to the dominion of Caesar and the pagan pantheon. It reframed ultimate 'dominion' not as earthly political force but as the sovereign rule of the God revealed in Jesus.

δύναμις (dynamis, G1411) — inherent power, ability, or miracle-working force. ἐξουσία (exousia, G1849) — delegated authority, right, or permission to act. ἰσχύς (ischys, G2479) — physical strength, might, or capacity.

Word Details

Scripture References