### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb kratéō (`{{G2902}}`) is derived from the noun krátos (`{{G2904}}`), which signifies "strength," "power," "might," or "dominion." Consequently, kratéō inherently conveys the sense of exercising power or strength in action. Its core meaning revolves around the act of *taking firm hold*, *grasping*, *seizing*, or *retaining* something, often implying a degree of force, control, or tenacity.
The semantic range of kratéō includes:
* **Physical Seizure or Grasping:** To lay hold of, seize, apprehend, or take by force. This can be for benevolent purposes (e.g., taking a hand to help) or hostile ones (e.g., seizing an enemy).
* **Holding Fast or Retaining:** To keep securely, hold onto, maintain possession of, or retain. This application can be literal (holding an object) or figurative (holding to traditions, doctrines, or a confession).
* **Obtaining or Mastering:** To get possession of, to prevail over, to master, or to gain control. While less frequent, this sense aligns with the root meaning of exercising power.
* **Governing or Ruling:** Though not its primary New Testament usage, the connection to krátos can imply the exercise of authority or dominion, particularly in contexts of prevailing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
kratéō appears frequently in the New Testament, showcasing its diverse applications:
* **Physical Grasping/Seizing:**
* Often used to describe Jesus taking someone by the hand, signifying healing, restoration, or compassionate care: [[Matthew 9:25]] (raising the dead girl), [[Mark 1:31]] (healing Peter's mother-in-law), [[Mark 9:27]] (lifting the epileptic boy). These instances highlight divine power exercised with mercy.
* Conversely, it denotes hostile apprehension: [[Matthew 21:46]] (attempting to seize Jesus), [[Matthew 26:48]] (Judas's signal for Jesus' arrest), [[Acts 3:11]] (the healed man holding Peter and John out of wonder).
* It can describe simply holding something, as in [[Matthew 12:11]] where one would kratéō a sheep that has fallen into a pit.
* **Holding Fast/Retaining (Figurative):**
* **Traditions and Doctrines:** [[Mark 7:3]] and [[Mark 7:4]] refer to the Pharisees "holding fast" to the tradition of the elders. This can imply rigid adherence. In [[Colossians 2:19]], it describes not "holding fast to the Head" (Christ), indicating a failure to maintain vital connection.
* **Confession and Faith:** [[Hebrews 4:14]] exhorts believers to "hold fast our confession," emphasizing perseverance and steadfastness in belief. Similarly, [[Revelation 2:13]] commends the church in Pergamum for "holding fast My name," even in persecution. [[Revelation 3:11]] encourages the church in Philadelphia to "hold fast what you have."
* **Authority/Office:** [[Titus 1:9]] speaks of an elder "holding fast the faithful word," indicating the necessity of firm adherence to sound doctrine for teaching and refutation.
* **Obtaining/Prevailing:**
* [[Acts 27:13]] describes sailors believing they had "obtained their purpose" (i.e., secured their course) when the wind blew gently.
The specific nuance of kratéō is profoundly shaped by its grammatical object and the immediate context, ranging from a gentle, supportive touch to a forceful arrest, or from a firm conviction to a stubborn adherence.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **krátos (`{{G2904}}`):** The foundational noun, meaning "strength," "power," "might," "dominion." kratéō is the verb form, denoting the *exercise* of this power.
* **ischuō (`{{G2480}}`):** To be strong, to be able, to prevail. While ischuō often describes the *state* of possessing strength or ability, kratéō emphasizes the *act* of using that strength to grasp or hold.
* **dynamis (`{{G1411}}`):** Power, inherent ability, miraculous power. kratéō is the *application* or *manifestation* of dynamis or krátos.
* **katéchō (`{{G2722}}`):** To hold down, hold back, restrain, possess, retain. katéchō shares the "retaining" aspect with kratéō but can also mean "hindering" or "suppressing." kratéō often implies a more active, decisive grasp or seizure.
* **lambanō (`{{G2983}}`):** A more general verb meaning "to take," "receive," or "seize." kratéō often implies a more firm, tenacious, or forceful grip than lambanō.
* The concept of "holding fast" is intrinsically linked to biblical themes of perseverance, steadfastness, and faithfulness in the face of trials, errors, and spiritual opposition.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of kratéō are rich and multifaceted, often highlighting the active exercise of power, whether divine or human.
* **Divine Power and Compassion:** When used of Jesus, kratéō often underscores His compassionate power to heal, restore, and even raise from the dead. His act of "taking hold" of someone's hand signifies a tangible demonstration of His divine authority and intimate care over sickness, sin, and death. It paints a vivid picture of God's active, personal intervention in human lives.
* **Human Responsibility and Perseverance:** The frequent exhortation to "hold fast" to one's confession ([[Hebrews 4:14]]), to sound doctrine ([[Titus 1:9]]), or to Christ's name ([[Revelation 2:13]]) emphasizes the believer's active and tenacious responsibility to grasp the truth firmly and remain steadfast in faith. This is not a passive belief but an active, enduring adherence, often in the face of spiritual opposition, false teaching, or persecution. It speaks to the necessity of endurance, faithfulness, and resilience in the Christian walk.
* **Spiritual Conflict:** The term can also appear in contexts of spiritual struggle, where opposing forces (human or demonic) attempt to seize or control. The call for the Christian is to kratéō to Christ and His truth, rather than being kratéō by error, sin, or worldly pressures. This highlights the dynamic nature of spiritual warfare, where the believer must actively maintain their grip on what is true and eternal.
In essence, kratéō encapsulates the dynamic interplay between divine power that grasps, sustains, and delivers, and human faith that must actively grasp, persevere, and remain loyal.
### Summary
kratéō (`{{G2902}}`), derived from krátos (power, strength), is a significant Greek verb signifying the active exercise of strength to *take hold*, *grasp*, *seize*, or *retain*. Its semantic range encompasses literal physical apprehension (e.g., [[Matthew 9:25]]), figurative adherence to traditions or doctrines (e.g., [[Mark 7:3]]), and the act of obtaining or prevailing. Context is paramount for discerning its precise nuance, which can range from a gentle, healing touch to a hostile seizure or a firm, unyielding commitment. Theologically, kratéō profoundly illuminates both the powerful, compassionate grip of God in acts of salvation and healing, and the essential human duty to firmly and perseveringly hold fast to truth, faith, and Christ throughout the journey of discipleship. It underscores the active and dynamic nature of both divine grace and human response in the biblical narrative.
TRV