from a derivative of (force; compare , a form of ἔχω); forcefulness (literally or figuratively):--ability, might(-ily), power, strength.
Transliteration:ischýs
Pronunciation:is-khoos'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
ἰσχύς (ischýs), derived from a root signifying "to have" or "to hold" (compare `{{G2192}}` *echō*), denotes inherent, abiding strength or might. It is not merely potential power, but power possessed and often actively applied. It encompasses physical vigor, robust health, and extends figuratively to moral, intellectual, or spiritual fortitude, signifying an ability to overcome, endure, or perform. Distinct from other Greek words for power, ἰσχύς emphasizes the intrinsic quality and forceful exertion of strength, speaking to the deep-seated might of a being or thing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἰσχύς appears approximately ten times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and Revelation, highlighting both human capacity and, more significantly, divine attributes.
* **Human Capacity**: In the Synoptic Gospels, ἰσχύς is used in the context of the greatest commandment, urging believers to love God "with all your strength" ([[Mark 12:30]], [[Luke 10:27]]). Here, it refers to the totality of one's human physical and spiritual vigor devoted to God.
* **Divine Attribute**:
* **Ephesians 1:19**: Paul prays for believers to comprehend "what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might" (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ κράτους τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ). Here, ἰσχύς describes the ultimate, intrinsic might of God, the foundational strength from which all His active power (`{{G1411}}` *dynamis*) flows.
* **Ephesians 6:10**: Believers are exhorted to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might" (ἐν δυνάμει τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ). This verse underscores the necessity of drawing upon God's inherent might, rather than one's own, for spiritual warfare.
* **2 Thessalonians 1:9**: Describing the judgment of those who do not know God, they "will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might" (ἀπὸ προσώπου τοῦ κυρίου καὶ ἀπὸ τῆς δόξης τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ). This highlights God's overwhelming and unapproachable power in executing righteous judgment.
* **2 Peter 2:11**: Angels, though "greater in might and power" (ἰσχύϊ καὶ δυνάμει μείζονες ὄντες), do not bring a slanderous judgment against glorious ones before the Lord. This usage distinguishes ἰσχύς (inherent strength) from `{{G1411}}` *dynamis* (active power), even in the context of mighty angelic beings.
* **Revelation 5:12** and **Revelation 7:12**: In the heavenly throne room, ἰσχύς is listed among the attributes ascribed to the Lamb and to God, respectively, in hymns of praise. This signifies the inherent, absolute strength and capability that make them worthy of all worship and dominion.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G1411}}` *dynamis* (δύναμις)**: Often translated "power," it refers more to inherent ability, potential, or miraculous power. ἰσχύς frequently describes the *source* or *quality* of that power, the underlying strength that enables dynamis to be exercised. One might possess ἰσχύς (strength) to *exercise* dynamis (power).
* **`{{G1849}}` *exousia* (ἐξουσία)**: Signifies authority or delegated power, the right to act. While distinct, ἰσχύς can be seen as the enabling strength that empowers the exercise of exousia.
* **`{{G2904}}` *kratos* (κράτος)**: Often translated "dominion" or "might," it emphasizes manifested power, especially in rule or triumph. ἰσχύς can be the foundational strength that leads to kratos.
* **Old Testament Equivalents**: In the Septuagint, ἰσχύς often translates Hebrew terms such as `{{H3581}}` (koach - strength, power), `{{H2428}}` (chayil - strength, might, valor), and `{{H5797}}` (oz - strength, might). These terms similarly convey ideas of inherent power and ability, frequently ascribed to God's character and His mighty acts.
### Theological Significance
ἰσχύς holds profound theological significance, particularly in its application to the divine.
* **Divine Attribute**: Preeminently, ἰσχύς is an attribute of God and Christ. It speaks to the absolute, inherent, and unchallengeable might of the Creator and Redeemer. This strength is not dependent on external factors but flows from His very being. It is the bedrock of His sovereignty, His ability to accomplish His purposes, and the power that raised Christ from the dead ([[Ephesians 1:19-20]]).
* **Source of Believer's Strength**: The New Testament consistently portrays God's ἰσχύς as the ultimate source of strength for believers. In their inherent weakness, they are exhorted to draw upon His infinite might, particularly in spiritual warfare ([[Ephesians 6:10]]). This underscores a fundamental theological truth: human strength is insufficient for spiritual battles; divine strength is essential and freely given to those who trust in Him.
* **Basis for Judgment and Salvation**: God's ἰσχύς is the power by which He both saves and judges. It is the mighty power that guarantees the resurrection and glorification of believers, and it is the same unyielding might that will ultimately execute righteous judgment upon those who rebel against Him ([[2 Thessalonians 1:9]]).
* **Worthy of Worship**: The inherent might of God and the Lamb is a recurring theme in heavenly worship, signifying their supreme worthiness to receive all praise, honor, and adoration for their absolute power and dominion ([[Revelation 5:12]], [[Revelation 7:12]]).
### Summary
ἰσχύς (ischýs) denotes inherent, abiding strength or might, encompassing both physical and figurative capacities. It emphasizes the possession and forceful application of strength. In the New Testament, its most profound usage describes the unchallengeable, intrinsic might of God and Christ, which serves as the ultimate source of all power. For believers, ἰσχύς represents the divine strength available to them, enabling them to stand firm and overcome in the spiritual realm. It is a foundational attribute of God, worthy of eternal praise, and the very power by which He executes His redemptive and judicial plans, demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and capability.
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