### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun κράτος (krátos) denotes a powerful, manifest strength, vigor, or dominion. Unlike other Greek terms for power, *kratos* often emphasizes the actual, effective display of strength, the power by which one rules, overcomes, or holds sway. It speaks to power in action, rather than merely potential or inherent ability. Its base definition, "vigor ('great')," suggests a robust and impactful force. While it can refer to physical strength, its primary New Testament usage is in a theological context, describing divine might and sovereignty. It implies a power that is not only possessed but actively exercised and demonstrated, often in a context of overcoming opposition or establishing rule.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κράτος appears 12 times in the New Testament, predominantly in Pauline epistles and doxologies, underscoring its theological weight.
In [[Ephesians 1:19]], Paul speaks of "the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty strength." Here, *kratos* is part of a powerful triad (δύναμις `{{G1411}}`, ἐνέργεια `{{G1753}}`, κράτος) describing God's power. *Kratos* here represents the triumphant, effective might that raised Christ from the dead and seated Him at God's right hand, demonstrating God's ultimate dominion. This divine *kratos* is then applied to believers.
Similarly, in [[Ephesians 6:10]], believers are exhorted to "be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might (κράτος)." This refers to the divine power that enables believers to stand firm against spiritual forces, emphasizing that their strength is derived from God's own supreme power. [[Colossians 1:11]] echoes this, praying for believers to be "strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might (κράτος), for all endurance and patience with joy."
A crucial instance highlighting the dynamic nature of *kratos* is found in [[Hebrews 2:14]]: "that through death He might destroy him who has the power (κράτος) of death, that is, the devil." Here, *kratos* describes the devil's dominion, which Christ decisively overcomes and renders powerless through His crucifixion and resurrection. This demonstrates *kratos* as a power that can be wielded by an adversary, but ultimately can be conquered by a superior *kratos*.
Finally, *kratos* is frequently found in doxologies, attributing eternal dominion and might to God and Christ. Examples include [[1 Timothy 6:16]] ("to whom be honor and eternal dominion (κράτος)"), [[1 Peter 4:11]] ("to Him belongs the glory and the dominion (κράτος) forever and ever. Amen."), [[1 Peter 5:11]], [[Jude 1:25]], and multiple occurrences in Revelation ([[Revelation 1:6]], [[Revelation 5:13]], [[Revelation 7:12]]). These usages affirm God's supreme, unchallengeable, and everlasting rule over all creation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding κράτος is enriched by distinguishing it from other Greek terms for power:
* **δύναμις (dynamis) `{{G1411}}`**: Often translated as "power," *dynamis* refers to inherent ability, potential, or capacity. It is the power that resides within. *Kratos*, in contrast, is the *manifestation* or *exercise* of that inherent power, the effective display of strength. One might have *dynamis*, but it is *kratos* that shows it in action.
* **ἐξουσία (exousia) `{{G1849}}`**: This term denotes authority, right, or delegated power. While *kratos* is the actual might, *exousia* is the right or permission to wield that might. God possesses both perfectly, having the absolute right (exousia) to exercise His supreme might (kratos).
* **ἐνέργεια (energeia) `{{G1753}}`**: Meaning "working" or "operation," *energeia* describes active power, the energy at work. In contexts like [[Ephesians 1:19]], *energeia* describes the active outworking of God's power that culminates in His manifest *kratos*.
* **ἰσχύς (ischys) `{{G2479}}`**: This word typically refers to physical strength or inherent vigor. While similar to *dynamis*, *ischys* often emphasizes the capacity for strength. *Kratos* often implies the effective, triumphant exercise of this strength, especially in a context of dominion.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κράτος is profound, primarily underscoring the absolute and sovereign power of God.
1. **Divine Omnipotence and Sovereignty**: The frequent use of *kratos* in doxologies (e.g., [[1 Peter 4:11]], [[Revelation 5:13]]) attributes supreme, unchallengeable dominion to God and Christ. It declares that God is not merely powerful, but His power is actively displayed in His rule over all things, eternally. This *kratos* is the foundation of His unyielding sovereignty.
2. **Christ's Victorious Power**: The defeat of the devil's *kratos* of death by Christ ([[Hebrews 2:14]]) is a central tenet of Christian theology. It signifies Christ's ultimate triumph over the forces of evil, sin, and death, demonstrating His superior and redemptive power. His resurrection is the ultimate manifestation of God's *kratos*.
3. **Empowerment of Believers**: God's *kratos* is not abstract but is actively directed towards believers ([[Ephesians 1:19]], [[Ephesians 6:10]]). It is the divine enablement that strengthens them to live according to God's will, to endure suffering, and to stand firm against spiritual adversaries. This power is not inherent in believers but is a gracious gift from God, empowering them to participate in His purposes.
4. **Foundation of Hope and Assurance**: The understanding of God's supreme *kratos* provides immense comfort and assurance. Believers can trust that God's power is sufficient for every challenge, His dominion is absolute, and His purposes will ultimately prevail.
### Summary
κράτος (krátos) signifies manifest, effective power, vigor, and dominion. It emphasizes power in action, particularly in the context of overcoming or ruling. In the New Testament, it predominantly describes the absolute and sovereign might of God and Christ, distinguishing itself from other terms for power by highlighting the active display of strength. It is the power by which God rules eternally, the power that raised Christ from the dead and destroyed the devil's dominion, and the divine enablement that strengthens believers. Its consistent use in doxologies underscores its significance in attributing supreme and eternal rule to the Triune God, providing a robust foundation for Christian hope and assurance in His unyielding strength.
TRV