from ἰσχύς; forcible (literally or figuratively):--boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant.
Transliteration:ischyrós
Pronunciation:is-khoo-ros'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἰσχυρός (ischyrós) is derived from the noun ἰσχύς (ischys) `{{G2479}}`, which signifies "strength," "power," or "ability." Consequently, ἰσχυρός fundamentally means "strong," "mighty," or "powerful." Its semantic range is broad, encompassing various manifestations of strength:
* **Physical Strength:** Referring to the robust constitution of a person or the potent force of natural phenomena (e.g., a strong man, a powerful wind).
* **Authority and Influence:** Describing one who possesses significant power, dominion, or sway (e.g., a mighty ruler, a powerful angel).
* **Intensity:** Denoting a high degree or force, as in a "boisterous" storm or a "strong" voice.
* **Inherent Quality:** Pertaining to the intrinsic nature of something that is robust, formidable, or unyielding.
The core idea is that of being "forcible," whether actively exerting power or inherently possessing it.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἰσχυρός appears frequently in the New Testament, applied in diverse contexts:
* **Physical or Natural Power:** In [[Matthew 14:30]], it describes the "boisterous" (or strong) wind that caused Peter to doubt while walking on water, highlighting the intensity of natural forces.
* **Spiritual Warfare:** A pivotal usage is found in the Synoptic Gospels, where Jesus speaks of binding the "strong man" (ὁ ἰσχυρός) to plunder his house ([[Matthew 12:29]], [[Mark 3:27]], [[Luke 11:21]]). This "strong man" is universally understood as Satan, and Jesus, by casting out demons, demonstrates Himself to be the "stronger one" (ὁ ἰσχυρότερος) who overcomes Satan's dominion.
* **Divine and Angelic Might:** ἰσχυρός frequently describes God and His agents. In [[Revelation 18:8]], God is declared "strong" (ἰσχυρὸς γὰρ Κύριος ὁ Θεὸς ὁ κρίνας αὐτήν) to judge Babylon, underscoring His omnipotence and righteous judgment. Similarly, "strong" angels are depicted in prophetic visions, such as the one proclaiming "Who is worthy?" in [[Revelation 5:2]] or the one casting a great millstone into the sea in [[Revelation 18:21]], symbolizing the decisive nature of divine action.
* **Ethical and Spiritual Strength in Believers:** Paul uses ἰσχυρός to describe believers who are "strong" in faith or conscience, particularly concerning matters of Christian liberty. In [[Romans 15:1]], he exhorts, "We who are strong (οἱ ἰσχυροί) have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves." This illustrates a crucial ethical application where spiritual strength is to be exercised in service and forbearance for the sake of others.
* **Paradox of Divine Power:** Perhaps one of the most profound uses is in [[1 Corinthians 1:25]], where Paul declares, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger (ἰσχυρότερον) than men." This paradox highlights that God's ways, which may appear weak or foolish by human standards (e.g., the cross), are in fact the ultimate demonstrations of His surpassing power and wisdom.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἰσχυρός is part of a cluster of Greek words related to power and might:
* **ἰσχύς (ischys) `{{G2479}}`:** The root noun, meaning "strength, power, ability." ἰσχυρός is the adjectival form, describing one who possesses ἰσχύς.
* **δύναμις (dynamis) `{{G1411}}`:** "Power, ability, miraculous power." While related, δύναμις often refers to inherent potential or the capacity for power, especially divine power, whereas ἰσχυρός emphasizes the quality of being strong or the active exertion of strength.
* **κράτος (kratos) `{{G2904}}`:** "Dominion, manifested power, might." Often denotes power in a ruling or authoritative sense.
* **ἐξουσία (exousia) `{{G1849}}`:** "Authority, right, power." Focuses on legitimate authority or delegated power.
* **ἀσθενής (asthenes) `{{G772}}`:** "Weak, feeble, sick." This serves as a direct antonym, frequently contrasted with ἰσχυρός, as seen in [[Romans 15:1]] and [[1 Corinthians 1:25]], underscoring a key theological tension.
Concepts associated with ἰσχυρός include divine omnipotence, spiritual warfare, ethical responsibility, and the paradoxical nature of God's power.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of ἰσχυρός is multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence:** The repeated application of ἰσχυρός to God and His angels affirms His absolute power, authority, and ability to execute His will, particularly in judgment. God is not merely powerful; He is the "Mighty One" whose strength is unmatched and decisive.
* **Christ's Victory over Evil:** The "strong man" motif is central to understanding Jesus' ministry as a direct, powerful confrontation with Satan's kingdom. Christ, being "stronger," disarms and plunders the enemy, demonstrating His ultimate authority and power over sin and death. This is foundational to the concept of spiritual liberation.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** Paul's use of ἰσχυρός in an ethical context is profoundly significant. It transforms the concept of strength from self-assertion to self-sacrifice. Those who are "strong" in their faith are not to use their strength for personal gain or to judge the "weak," but rather to bear their burdens, demonstrating Christ-like love and humility. This highlights that true spiritual strength is manifested in service and compassion.
* **Paradox of God's Power in Weakness:** The declaration that "the weakness of God is stronger than men" ([[1 Corinthians 1:25]]) is a cornerstone of Pauline theology. It challenges human wisdom and strength, asserting that God's power is often revealed through means that appear humble, vulnerable, or even foolish to the world (most notably, the cross). This paradox underscores God's unconventional methods and the triumph of divine wisdom over human pride.
### Summary
The Greek word ἰσχυρός (ischyrós) signifies "strong," "mighty," or "powerful," derived from the noun ἰσχύς (ischys) `{{G2479}}`. Its semantic range covers physical might, intense natural forces, and formidable authority. Biblically, ἰσχυρός is applied to the "boisterous" wind ([[Matthew 14:30]]), the "strong man" (Satan) whom Christ overcomes ([[Matthew 12:29]]), "mighty" angels ([[Revelation 5:2]], [[Revelation 18:21]]), and supremely, God Himself, who is "strong" to judge ([[Revelation 18:8]]). Theologically, ἰσχυρός underscores God's omnipotence and sovereignty, particularly in the context of divine judgment and Christ's decisive victory over spiritual adversaries. Furthermore, in Pauline theology, the term takes on a vital ethical dimension, calling those "strong" in faith to exercise their strength in compassionate service to the "weak" ([[Romans 15:1]]). Most profoundly, ἰσχυρός is used to articulate the divine paradox that God's apparent "weakness" is in fact "stronger" than human strength ([[1 Corinthians 1:25]]), revealing the counter-intuitive and redemptive nature of God's power. Thus, ἰσχυρός is a rich and multifaceted term that speaks to both inherent might and its transformative application within God's redemptive plan.
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