### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun νίκη (`{{G3529}}`) is defined as "conquest (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) the means of success:--victory." As a primary word, its meaning is foundational, encompassing the idea of triumph, overcoming, or prevailing in a contest or struggle. It denotes the successful outcome of a conflict, whether physical, moral, or spiritual. The core sense conveys the definitive defeat of an opponent or the surmounting of an obstacle, leading to a state of triumph. While in classical Greek it often referred to military conquest, its New Testament usage elevates its meaning to a profound spiritual dimension.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Remarkably, the noun νίκη (`{{G3529}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[1 John 5:4]]. The verse states: "For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith." The singular occurrence of νίκη here is profoundly significant. John links the act of "overcoming the world" directly to the nature of being "born of God" and identifies "our faith" as the specific means or instrument of this victory. The "world" (κόσμος, `{{G2889}}`) in this context refers not to the physical creation, but to the fallen human system, alienated from God, characterized by its values, desires, and spiritual opposition to divine truth. The victory is thus a spiritual one, enabling believers to resist and transcend the corrupting influences and deceptive allurements of this world system. It is not a victory achieved through human strength or worldly power, but through a divinely imparted faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
The noun νίκη (`{{G3529}}`) is intrinsically linked to its verbal counterpart, νικάω (`{{G3528}}`), which means "to conquer, overcome, prevail." This verb appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of John. For instance, in Revelation, the verb νικάω is used repeatedly to describe the actions of Christ and His faithful followers who "overcome" or "conquer" various adversaries, including the Beast, Satan, and the world itself (e.g., [[Revelation 2:7]], [[Revelation 3:21]], [[Revelation 5:5]], [[Revelation 12:11]], [[Revelation 17:14]], [[Revelation 21:7]]). The concept of victory is also related to θρίαμβος (`{{G2358}}`), which denotes a public procession of triumph, as seen in [[2 Corinthians 2:14]] where God is depicted as leading believers in triumphal procession in Christ. Furthermore, the very nature of this victory is tied to πίστις (`{{G4102}}`, faith), as explicitly stated in [[1 John 5:4]], highlighting that spiritual triumph is not earned but received through trust in God. The power to achieve this victory ultimately stems from God's δύναμις (`{{G1411}}`, power).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of νίκη (`{{G3529}}`) is immense, despite its single occurrence. It encapsulates the core truth of God's ultimate triumph over sin, death, and the forces of evil through Jesus Christ. The believer's victory is not self-generated but is a participation in Christ's decisive conquest. Christ Himself is the ultimate victor, the Lamb who νικάω (`{{G3528}}`) (e.g., [[Revelation 5:5]]). For the Christian, νίκη signifies the spiritual power to overcome the "world," which represents the sum total of human rebellion against God. This victory is realized and appropriated through "faith" (πίστις, `{{G4102}}`), which acts as the conduit for God's divine life and power into the believer. It underscores the reality that salvation is not merely forgiveness of sins, but an empowerment to live victoriously over the influences that seek to draw one away from God. This concept provides profound assurance and hope, affirming that those born of God possess an inherent capacity, through faith, to overcome all that opposes divine truth and righteousness.
### Summary
The Greek noun νίκη (`{{G3529}}`), meaning "victory" or "conquest," holds profound theological weight despite its singular New Testament occurrence in [[1 John 5:4]]. Here, it is explicitly identified as "our faith" that "has overcome the world." This highlights that the believer's triumph over the world's spiritual and moral opposition is not a human achievement but a divinely enabled reality, appropriated through trust in God. νίκη is intrinsically linked to the verb νικάω (`{{G3528}}`), frequently used to describe Christ's and His followers' overcoming various adversaries. Theologically, νίκη points to God's ultimate triumph in Christ, a victory in which believers participate by faith, enabling them to live victoriously over the world's corrupting influences and spiritual forces. It is a spiritual, not worldly, conquest, deeply rooted in the new birth and sustained by unwavering faith.
TRV