### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐνισχύω (G1765, *enischýō*) is a compound verb derived from the preposition ἐν (*en*), meaning "in" or "into," and the verb ἰσχύω (`{{G2480}}`, *ischýō*), meaning "to be strong" or "to be able." The prefix ἐν here functions to intensify the root verb, conveying the sense of imparting or infusing strength, or being made strong *within*. Its core meaning is "to invigorate," "to strengthen," or "to empower." This strengthening can be understood transitively, where one person or entity strengthens another, or reflexively, where one strengthens oneself. The term implies a bestowal of power or ability, often in a context where weakness or lack of strength was previously present, enabling one to endure or perform.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐνισχύω (G1765) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance providing profound insight into its meaning:
1. **[[Luke 22:43]]**: "Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him."
* This passage describes Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with the immense spiritual and emotional agony of the impending crucifixion. His soul is "deeply grieved, to the point of death" ([[Mark 14:34]]). In this moment of profound human weakness and spiritual anguish, an angel is sent to strengthen Him. The strengthening here is not primarily physical in the sense of preparing for battle, but rather an infusion of inner fortitude, resolve, and divine sustenance to endure the suffering and fulfill the Father's will. It underscores the reality of Christ's humanity and His reliance on divine aid in His darkest hour.
2. **[[Acts 9:19]]**: "and after taking food, he was strengthened."
* This verse describes Saul (who would become Paul) after his dramatic conversion experience on the road to Damascus. Following three days of blindness and fasting, Ananias ministers to him, his sight is restored, and he is filled with the Holy Spirit. Subsequently, "after taking food, he was strengthened." In this context, the strengthening appears to be both physical and spiritual. The physical sustenance helps him recover from the weakness induced by fasting and the trauma of his encounter with Christ. Simultaneously, it signifies a restoration of his overall vitality and readiness to embark on his new life and ministry. This strengthening enabled him to immediately begin proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues ([[Acts 9:20]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap or conceptual kinship with ἐνισχύω (G1765), enriching our understanding of divine power and human enablement:
* **ἰσχύω (`{{G2480}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to be strong," "to be able," or "to have power." ἐνισχύω (G1765) intensifies this basic meaning, emphasizing the *impartation* of strength.
* **δύναμις (`{{G1411}}`)**: "Power," "ability," "might," often referring to inherent power, especially divine power or miraculous ability.
* **κράτος (`{{G2904}}`)**: "Strength," "might," "dominion," often referring to manifested power or authority.
* **ἐνδυναμόω (`{{G1743}}`)**: "To make strong," "to empower," "to strengthen." This verb is frequently used in the Pauline epistles to describe believers being strengthened in the Lord or by the Holy Spirit (e.g., [[Ephesians 6:10]], [[Philippians 4:13]]). While similar to ἐνισχύω (G1765), ἐνδυναμόω (`{{G1743}}`) often carries a more direct sense of being filled with divine power for service or endurance.
* **ῥώννυμι (`{{G4517}}`)**: "To strengthen," "to be strong," often used in farewell greetings ("farewell," "be strong").
The concept of divine enablement, where God supplies the necessary strength for His servants to fulfill His will or endure trials, is central to these related terms.
### Theological Significance
The two occurrences of ἐνισχύω (G1765) in the New Testament carry profound theological weight:
1. **Divine Sustenance in Suffering**: The strengthening of Jesus in Gethsemane by an angel highlights the Father's active care for His Son, even in His deepest agony. It underscores the reality of Christ's full humanity, demonstrating His dependence on the Father's grace and power to face the cross. This is not a denial of His divine nature, but an affirmation of His true human struggle, making His victory all the more significant. It serves as a powerful theological precedent for believers: in moments of extreme spiritual or emotional distress, God provides supernatural strength to endure and persevere.
2. **Empowerment for Ministry and Restoration**: Paul's strengthening in Damascus signifies God's comprehensive restoration and preparation of His chosen instrument. It illustrates that divine empowerment often follows a period of profound weakness or spiritual crisis. This strengthening was essential not merely for physical recovery, but for his immediate and vigorous commencement of ministry, demonstrating that God equips those He calls. It points to the truth that God's grace not only saves but also sustains and enables His servants for their appointed tasks.
3. **God's Active Involvement**: Both instances demonstrate God's direct and personal involvement in the lives of His people, providing strength precisely when and where it is most needed. It speaks to a God who does not merely observe but actively intervenes to uphold and empower.
### Summary
The Greek word ἐνισχύω (G1765, *enischýō*) precisely conveys the idea of being invigorated or strengthened, often through divine impartation. Its two New Testament occurrences are highly significant: in [[Luke 22:43]], it describes the supernatural strengthening of Jesus by an angel in His Gethsemane agony, underscoring His human dependence and the Father's compassionate provision in suffering. In [[Acts 9:19]], it refers to Paul's physical and spiritual restoration after his conversion, enabling him to immediately embark on his apostolic mission. The word thus highlights God's active role in sustaining His servants through trials and empowering them for service, demonstrating that divine strength is available and essential for both endurance and effective ministry. It speaks to the profound truth that human weakness is often the context for God's perfect power to be made manifest.
TRV