### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κραταιόω (krataióō), Strong's number `{{G2901}}`, is derived from the adjective κραταιός (krataios), meaning "strong" or "mighty." The verbal form, particularly in its common passive usage, signifies "to be made strong," "to be strengthened," or "to increase in vigor." Its core meaning revolves around the process of gaining or being endowed with strength, power, or firmness. This strength can manifest in various dimensions—physical, mental, or spiritual—but in the New Testament, it predominantly carries a spiritual connotation. It implies an internal development or infusion that leads to greater resilience, capacity, or stability.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κραταιόω appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each instance offers significant insight into its meaning and theological weight.
* **Luke 1:80 and Luke 2:40 (Growth of John and Jesus):** These verses describe the early development of John the Baptist and Jesus. "And the child grew, and *waxed strong* in spirit..." ([[Luke 1:80]]) and "And the child grew, and *waxed strong* in spirit, filled with wisdom..." ([[Luke 2:40]]). Here, κραταιόω denotes a natural, yet divinely guided, maturation process. It signifies an increasing spiritual vigor and robustness that accompanied their physical growth, preparing them for their respective ministries. The emphasis on "in spirit" highlights the internal, spiritual dimension of this strengthening.
* **Ephesians 3:16 (Paul's Prayer for Believers):** Paul prays for the Ephesian believers, "that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, *to be strengthened* with might by his Spirit in the inner man..." ([[Ephesians 3:16]]). This is a pivotal theological usage. The strengthening is explicitly attributed to God's glorious riches and is mediated by the Holy Spirit. Crucially, it takes place "in the inner man," indicating a profound spiritual empowerment that enables believers to grasp the immeasurable love of Christ. It is not merely a superficial or external power, but a deep, internal fortitude.
* **Colossians 1:11 (Paul's Prayer for Endurance):** Similarly, Paul prays for the Colossian believers to be "*strengthened* with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness..." ([[Colossians 1:11]]). This verse echoes the themes in Ephesians, emphasizing the divine origin ("his glorious power") of this strengthening. Here, the purpose of being strengthened is to cultivate spiritual virtues, particularly patience and longsuffering, enabling believers to endure trials and difficulties with joy. It speaks to a fortitude that sustains believers through adversity.
* **Hebrews 11:34 (Faith's Triumph over Weakness):** In the "hall of faith," the author commends those who "out of weakness *were made strong*..." ([[Hebrews 11:34]]). This passage refers to Old Testament heroes of faith who, despite their inherent human frailty, were supernaturally empowered by God. This usage underscores God's ability to transform human weakness into divine strength, enabling His servants to accomplish extraordinary feats and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
Across these contexts, κραταιόω consistently points to an increase in strength, often divinely imparted, leading to spiritual maturity, endurance, or the ability to fulfill God's purposes. It is a dynamic process of becoming more robust and capable in one's spiritual walk.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding κραταιόω includes several related terms that illuminate its meaning:
* **κραταιός (krataios) `{{G2900}}`**: The root adjective from which κραταιόω is derived, meaning "strong, mighty, powerful." It describes the inherent quality of strength.
* **δύναμις (dynamis) `{{G1411}}`**: "Power, ability, miraculous power." This noun frequently appears alongside κραταιόω, indicating that the strengthening process results in or is accomplished by means of divine power. For example, in Ephesians 3:16, believers are strengthened "with might" (δύναμις).
* **ἐνδυναμόω (endynamoo) `{{G1743}}`**: "To strengthen, empower." This is a very close synonym, also used extensively in the New Testament (e.g., Philippians 4:13; Ephesians 6:10). While both verbs convey empowerment, ἐνδυναμόω often emphasizes a direct impartation of power for a specific task or challenge, whereas κραταιόω can suggest a more internal, developmental process of waxing strong.
* **ἰσχύω (ischyō) `{{G2480}}`**: "To be strong, to be able, to prevail." This verb often describes the inherent capacity or ability to act. While related to strength, κραταιόω highlights the *process of becoming* strong or increasing in vigor, rather than just possessing strength.
* **κράτος (kratos) `{{G2904}}`**: "Strength, power, dominion, might." This noun, from the same root, often refers to manifested power or dominion, particularly God's sovereign power.
These related terms collectively paint a picture of divine power at work, both in the inherent strength of God and in His active empowerment of His creation, particularly His people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κραταιόω is profound, underscoring fundamental truths about God's nature and His relationship with humanity:
1. **Divine Origin of True Strength:** The consistent message is that genuine strength, particularly spiritual strength, originates from God alone. It is "by his Spirit" ([[Ephesians 3:16]]) or "according to his glorious power" ([[Colossians 1:11]]). This emphasizes human dependence on God for spiritual vitality and maturity, countering any notion of self-sufficiency.
2. **Internal and Spiritual Empowerment:** The strengthening often occurs "in the inner man," signifying a deep, spiritual transformation rather than mere external might or physical prowess. This internal robustness enables believers to comprehend spiritual truths, endure trials, and live out their faith authentically. It speaks to the renewal of the mind and spirit.
3. **Purposeful Growth and Endurance:** This divine strengthening is not an end in itself but serves specific divine purposes. It leads to growth in wisdom, the ability to grasp the immensity of Christ's love, the cultivation of virtues like patience and longsuffering, and the capacity to overcome weakness for God's glory. It is integral to the believer's progressive sanctification and effective service.
4. **God's Faithfulness in Weakness:** The use of κραταιόω in Hebrews 11:34 profoundly illustrates God's faithfulness. He empowers His servants, even when they are inherently weak, enabling them to achieve what is humanly impossible. This provides immense encouragement, reminding believers that God's power is perfected in their weakness ([[2 Corinthians 12:9]]).
5. **Foundation for Christ-like Living:** For Jesus and John, this "waxing strong in spirit" laid the foundation for their unique roles in salvation history. For believers, it is the necessary spiritual foundation for living a Christ-like life, marked by spiritual discernment, endurance, and joyful perseverance in the face of adversity.
### Summary
The Greek verb κραταιόω (krataióō) signifies the process of being empowered, strengthened, or increasing in vigor. In the New Testament, its primary focus is on spiritual strengthening, often depicted as an internal transformation occurring "in the inner man." This strengthening is consistently attributed to God, mediated by His Spirit, and flows from His glorious power. The purpose of this divine empowerment is multifaceted: to enable growth in wisdom, to deepen comprehension of Christ's love, to cultivate virtues like patience and longsuffering, and to overcome human weakness for the accomplishment of God's will. Thus, κραταιόω highlights the essential divine enablement for a robust and enduring spiritual life, underscoring God's active role in maturing and equipping His people for His purposes.
TRV