The Greek word ischýs, represented by G2479, signifies forcefulness, translated as strength, might, or ability. This term, deriving from a word for force, appears 11 times across 11 unique verses. It conveys a sense of inherent power, capacity, and vigor, whether human or divine.
In scripture, G2479 is prominently featured in the Great Commandment, where believers are called to love God with all their strength (Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). This context emphasizes the complete devotion of one's personal capacity. The word also describes divine power, as in Ephesians 6:10, which exhorts believers to be strong "in the power of his might." In Revelation, strength is one of the key attributes ascribed to God and the Lamb in heavenly worship (Revelation 5:12; Revelation 7:12). It is also used adverbially to describe the cry of an angel, who "cried mightily with a strong voice" Revelation 18:2.
Several related Greek words help clarify the concept of strength and power:
- G1411 dýnamis: This word refers to force and, specifically, miraculous power. It is used alongside G2479 to describe the greatness of angels in "power and might" 2 Peter 2:11 and is a component of God's "exceeding greatness of his power" Ephesians 1:19.
- G1743 endynamóō: Defined as "to empower," this verb shows the action of granting strength. It is directly linked to G2479 in Ephesians 6:10, where believers are told to "be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
- G2904 krátos: Meaning vigor or dominion, this term often appears with G2479 to form a powerful pair. In Ephesians 1:19, Paul refers to "his mighty power," combining both words to describe the force available to believers.
The theological weight of G2479 is significant, highlighting key principles of faith and divinity.
- Total Human Devotion: The call to love God with all one's strength establishes that devotion is not merely an emotional or intellectual exercise but involves the full measure of one's personal capacity and vigor (Luke 10:27; Mark 12:33).
- God as the Source of Strength: The Christian's power for service and spiritual warfare is not self-generated but is derived from the Lord. Believers are instructed to minister from the ability which God provides 1 Peter 4:11 and to stand firm in the Lord's own might Ephesians 6:10.
- An Attribute of Divine Being: In the doxologies of Revelation, strength and might are declared to be eternal attributes belonging to God and the Lamb, central to their nature and worthy of praise (Revelation 5:12; Revelation 7:12).
- Manifestation of God's Power: The term is part of the description of God's active power at work for believers, described as "the working of his mighty power" Ephesians 1:19.
In summary, G2479 is a multifaceted term that encompasses the totality of human effort in devotion, the endowed power a believer receives from God, and an intrinsic attribute of God's own being. It bridges the concepts of human capacity and divine forcefulness, illustrating that true strength, whether for service or worship, ultimately finds its source and expression in God himself.
TRV