Word Study for G1743 (ἐνδυναμόω)

endynamóō /en-doo-nam-o'-o/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἐν and δυναμόω

Meaningto empower

KJV usageenable, (increase in) strength(-en), be (make) strong.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of endynamóō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word endynamóō, represented by G1743, means to empower, enable, or to be made strong. It is formed from the words en and dynamóō. It appears 9 times in 8 unique verses in the Bible. This term conveys the idea of receiving or increasing in strength.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G1743 is used to describe a divinely imparted strength. Paul expresses that he can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth him Philippians 4:13. The term is also used to describe Abraham, who did not waver at God's promise but was strong in faith Romans 4:20. It can depict a process of growth, as when Saul increased the more in strength in Damascus Acts 9:22. Similarly, it describes those who "out of weakness were made strong" Hebrews 11:34.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words build on the concept of strength and power:

G2479 ischýs (might): This word signifies forcefulness or ability. It is used alongside G1743 in the command to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Ephesians 6:10.
G2904 krátos (power): Meaning vigor or dominion, this term often appears with G2479 to describe divine power. Believers are told to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might Ephesians 6:10.
G5485 cháris (grace): This term describes God's divine influence. The strength of G1743 is often sourced from this grace, as Timothy is instructed to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus 2 Timothy 2:1.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G1743 is centered on the source and purpose of spiritual strength.

Divine Empowerment: The strength described by G1743 is not inherent but is received from a divine source. Believers are strengthened by Christ Philippians 4:13, the Lord Ephesians 6:10, and the grace that is in Christ Jesus 2 Timothy 2:1.
Strength through Faith: This empowerment is closely linked to faith G4102. Abraham serves as a key example, who "staggered not" but was strong in faith, giving glory to God Romans 4:20.
Purposeful Enablement: This strength is given for a specific purpose. Paul was strengthened by the Lord so that the preaching might be fully known 2 Timothy 4:17. In another instance, Paul was enabled by Christ Jesus who counted him faithful for the ministry 1 Timothy 1:12.

Summary

In summary, G1743 endynamóō is a dynamic term that describes a strength imparted from God, not generated by oneself. It is used to describe the power to endure, the fortification of one's faith, and the enabling for ministry and witness. From Abraham's steadfast faith to Paul's ability to persevere through Christ, this word illustrates that true strength for the believer is found in the Lord and the power of His might Ephesians 6:10.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 8 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Active Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Imperfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Active Participle Dative Singular Masculine 1×
Present Passive Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
Present Passive Imperative 2nd Singular 1×

Dative: The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect: Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 8 verses across 7 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 2 Timothy (2 verses); never once in the other 20.

Acts

Romans

Ephesians

Philippians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Hebrews

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.