from ἐπί and στηρίζω; to support further, i.e. reestablish:--confirm, strengthen.
Transliteration:epistērízō
Pronunciation:ep-ee-stay-rid'-zo
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐπιστηρίζω (epistērízō, `{{G1991}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning "upon," "in addition to," or conveying intensity/repetition) and the verb στηρίζω (stērizō, `{{G4741}}`), which means "to fix," "to make firm," "to establish," or "to strengthen." The combination thus conveys the sense of "to strengthen further," "to re-establish," "to confirm upon," or "to make more firm."
The core meaning of ἐπιστηρίζω is not merely an initial act of establishment, but rather a reinforcement or renewed confirmation of something already in existence, yet perhaps wavering or needing additional stability. Its semantic range includes:
* **To confirm:** Solidifying a decision, truth, or conviction.
* **To strengthen:** Imparting renewed vigor or resolve.
* **To re-establish:** Bringing back to a state of firmness or stability.
* **To encourage:** Providing support that leads to greater steadfastness.
It implies an existing foundation that requires ongoing or additional support to withstand pressures or to grow more resilient.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐπιστηρίζω occurs four times in the New Testament, exclusively in the book of Acts, and consistently in the context of strengthening believers or churches:
* **[[Acts 14:22]]**: "strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God." Here, Paul and Barnabas are ministering to new converts in Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (Pisidia). The "strengthening" refers to fortifying their inner resolve and commitment to faith, especially in the face of anticipated persecution ("many tribulations"). It is an act of spiritual encouragement aimed at perseverance.
* **[[Acts 15:32]]**: "And Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words." Following the Jerusalem Council, Judas and Silas are sent to Antioch to deliver the council's decision. Their prophetic ministry involves both παρακαλέω (parakaleō, `{{G3870}}`, "encouraged") and ἐπιστηρίζω ("strengthened"), indicating a comprehensive work of pastoral care that solidified the believers' understanding and resolve, particularly concerning the contentious issue of Gentile inclusion and the Law.
* **[[Acts 15:41]]**: "He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." This describes Paul's second missionary journey. As he revisits areas evangelized earlier, his primary activity is to "strengthen" the nascent churches. This implies a nurturing role, ensuring their continued growth, stability, and adherence to sound doctrine and practice amidst challenges.
* **[[Acts 18:23]]**: "After spending some time there, he departed and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples." On his third missionary journey, Paul again revisits established communities. The target of his ἐπιστηρίζω is "all the disciples," indicating a broad pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being and steadfastness of individual believers within these regions.
Across these occurrences, ἐπιστηρίζω consistently describes an active, intentional ministry of spiritual reinforcement. It is a verb of pastoral care, aimed at ensuring the stability, endurance, and growth of individuals and communities in their faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root of ἐπιστηρίζω is στηρίζω (stērizō, `{{G4741}}`), which means to set fast, to make firm, to establish, or to strengthen. The addition of the prefix ἐπί (epi) intensifies or specifies the action:
* **στηρίζω `{{G4741}}`**: To establish, strengthen, or set one's face toward something. This is the foundational act of making something firm.
* **ἐπιστηρίζω `{{G1991}}`**: To *further* establish, *re*-establish, or provide *additional* strengthening. The prefix implies a continuation, reinforcement, or application *upon* an existing foundation.
Other related words and concepts include:
* **παρακαλέω `{{G3870}}` (parakaleō)**: To call alongside, comfort, encourage, exhort. Often found alongside ἐπιστηρίζω (e.g., [[Acts 15:32]]), indicating that strengthening often comes through encouragement and exhortation.
* **βεβαιόω `{{G950}}` (bebaioō)**: To confirm, make firm, establish. Similar in outcome, but βεβαιόω often refers to the *result* of confirmation (e.g., God confirming His promises), while ἐπιστηρίζω emphasizes the *process* of strengthening.
* **οἰκοδομέω `{{G3618}}` (oikodomeō)**: To build up, edify. This is a broader concept of spiritual construction and growth, of which ἐπιστηρίζω could be considered a specific aspect—shoring up the existing structure.
* **στερεόω `{{G4732}}` (stereoo)**: To make firm, strengthen. Often used for physical strengthening (e.g., a lame man's feet being strengthened), but can also apply spiritually.
The distinctiveness of ἐπιστηρίζω lies in its emphasis on providing *additional* or *renewed* support, suggesting that spiritual life is not a static state but requires ongoing maintenance and reinforcement.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of ἐπιστηρίζω in Acts highlights several key theological insights:
1. **The Dynamic Nature of Faith:** Faith is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey that requires continuous nurturing and strengthening. Believers, even new converts, are susceptible to wavering, doubt, or succumbing to external pressures. This word underscores the need for constant spiritual fortification.
2. **The Importance of Pastoral Care:** The apostles and prophets are depicted actively ἐπιστηρίζω believers and churches. This demonstrates a crucial aspect of leadership in the early church: not just initial evangelism or teaching, but dedicated follow-up, encouragement, and confirmation of disciples in their faith. It is a ministry of spiritual maintenance and growth.
3. **Resilience in the Face of Adversity:** The contexts in Acts (e.g., [[Acts 14:22]] and "many tribulations") show that strengthening is often necessary precisely when believers face opposition, persecution, or internal disputes. ἐπιστηρίζω is a vital act that enables endurance and perseverance.
4. **Community and Mutual Edification:** While leaders are often the agents of ἐπιστηρίζω, the very act implies a communal context where believers are supported by one another and by those gifted to minister to them. It speaks to the interdependence within the body of Christ.
5. **Divine Enablement:** While humans perform the act of ἐπιστηρίζω, the ultimate source of strength is God. This human activity is a channel through which God's sustaining power is mediated to His people, enabling them to stand firm.
### Summary
ἐπιστηρίζω (epistērízō, `{{G1991}}`) is a robust Greek verb signifying the act of providing *further* or *renewed* support, confirmation, and strengthening. Derived from ἐπί ("upon," "further") and στηρίζω ("to make firm"), it denotes a reinforcement of an existing foundation, particularly in the realm of faith and spiritual resolve. Its four occurrences in Acts consistently depict apostles and prophets actively engaged in this pastoral ministry, strengthening the souls of disciples and the stability of churches in the face of challenges. Theologically, ἐπιστηρίζω underscores the dynamic nature of Christian faith, the ongoing need for spiritual resilience, and the vital role of pastoral care in nurturing believers to stand firm and persevere.
TRV