### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term `{{G3841}}` (παντοκράτωρ, *pantokrátōr*) is a compound word derived from `{{G3956}}` (πᾶς, *pas*), meaning "all" or "every," and `{{G2904}}` (κράτος, *kratos*), meaning "strength," "power," "might," or "rule." Literally, it signifies "all-ruling" or "all-powerful." Its semantic range exclusively refers to God, emphasizing His absolute, universal, and unchallengeable sovereignty. It denotes not merely inherent power, but active dominion over all things, encompassing both omnipotence and supreme authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G3841}}` occurs ten times in the New Testament, with nine instances found in the book of Revelation and one in 2 Corinthians.
1. **[[2 Corinthians 6:18]]**: "and I will be a Father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." Here, the title *pantokrátōr* is used in a quotation or allusion to Old Testament promises (e.g., [[2 Samuel 7:8]], [[Isaiah 43:6]]), assuring believers of God's protective, fatherly relationship grounded in His ultimate power and authority. It provides a foundation of security for those who separate themselves for God.
2. **[[Revelation 1:8]]**: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." This verse is significant as it applies the title *pantokrátōr* directly to the exalted Christ, identifying Him with the eternal, sovereign God. It establishes His absolute authority and timeless existence from the outset of the book.
3. **[[Revelation 4:8]]**: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" In the heavenly throne room vision, the four living creatures ceaselessly worship God with this declaration. The title underscores God's holiness, eternality, and His absolute power as the object of cosmic adoration.
4. **[[Revelation 11:17]]**: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power and begun to reign." The twenty-four elders offer praise after the seventh trumpet, acknowledging that God has now asserted His full, active reign, fulfilling His sovereign purposes.
5. **[[Revelation 15:3]]**: "Great and amazing are your deeds, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are your ways, O King of the nations!" This is part of the song sung by those who have triumphed over the beast. It praises God's mighty acts, His righteous character, and His universal kingship over all peoples.
6. **[[Revelation 16:7]]**: "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments!" A voice from the altar affirms the righteousness and justice of God's severe judgments poured out during the bowl plagues.
7. **[[Revelation 16:14]]**: "For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for the war of the great day of God Almighty." This refers to the ultimate eschatological conflict, emphasizing that the final battle is under the sovereign control and ultimate victory of the Almighty God.
8. **[[Revelation 19:6]]**: "Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns!" A great multitude in heaven celebrates the final, decisive reign of God, signifying His ultimate triumph over all opposition.
9. **[[Revelation 21:22]]**: "And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb." In the New Jerusalem, the immediate, unmediated presence and absolute sovereignty of God the Almighty and the Lamb constitute the sacred space, rendering a physical temple unnecessary.
In the Septuagint (LXX), *pantokrátōr* frequently translates the Hebrew divine titles YHWH Sabaoth (`{{H6635}}`, "Lord of Hosts," implying His command over all celestial and earthly armies) and El Shaddai (`{{H7706}}`, "God Almighty," often associated with God's covenant power and blessing, particularly in Genesis). This Old Testament background enriches the New Testament usage, linking God's absolute power and authority to His covenant faithfulness and His role as the commander of heavenly armies.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Greek Cognates:**
* `{{G3956}}` (πᾶς, *pas*): "all," "every," forming the "all-" prefix.
* `{{G2904}}` (κράτος, *kratos*): "strength," "power," "dominion," "rule," forming the "-ruling" or "-powerful" suffix.
* `{{G1411}}` (δύναμις, *dynamis*): General "power" or "ability." While related, *pantokrátōr* signifies not just inherent power but universal dominion.
* `{{G1849}}` (ἐξουσία, *exousia*): "Authority" or "right to act." *Pantokrátōr* encompasses this, emphasizing the ultimate and legitimate nature of God's authority.
* **Hebrew Equivalents (LXX):**
* `{{H3068}}` `{{H6635}}` (YHWH Sabaoth): "Lord of Hosts," often rendered *Kyrios Sabaoth* or *Kyrios Pantokrator* in the LXX, highlighting God's command over all forces.
* `{{H410}}` `{{H7706}}` (El Shaddai): "God Almighty," frequently translated *Theos Pantokrator* in the LXX, emphasizing God's overwhelming power and sufficiency.
* **Theological Concepts:** Sovereignty, omnipotence, divine dominion, ultimate authority, kingship, creator, judge, cosmic ruler.
### Theological Significance
The title `{{G3841}}` (παντοκράτωρ) is a profound theological declaration concerning the nature of God.
1. **Absolute Sovereignty and Omnipotence**: It asserts God's unchallengeable rule over all creation, history, and destiny. Nothing is outside His control; His power is limitless and His will is supreme. This attribute is foundational to understanding God's character and His interaction with the world.
2. **Ground for Worship**: The consistent use of *pantokrátōr* in heavenly worship scenes in Revelation underscores that God's absolute power and universal reign are primary reasons for adoration and praise. His might evokes awe and reverence from all creation.
3. **Source of Assurance and Hope**: For believers, especially those facing persecution or tribulation, this title offers immense comfort and security. If God is "all-ruling," then His purposes cannot be thwarted, His promises are certain, and His ultimate victory is assured. This provides unwavering hope in the face of chaos.
4. **Eschatological Certainty**: In Revelation, *pantokrátōr* undergirds the certainty of God's ultimate triumph over evil, the execution of His righteous judgments, and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. The "war of the great day of God Almighty" signifies His decisive and final intervention.
5. **Christological Affirmation**: The application of *pantokrátōr* to Christ in [[Revelation 1:8]] is a powerful statement of His deity, pre-existence, and co-equality with God the Father in absolute authority and power. It affirms His position as the eternal, sovereign Lord who is to come in judgment and reign.
6. **Contrast to Idolatry**: In a world of competing powers and false gods, *pantokrátōr* asserts the singular, supreme authority of the one true God, leaving no room for rivals or lesser deities.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G3841}}` (παντοκράτωρ, *pantokrátōr*), meaning "all-ruling" or "Almighty," is a majestic divine title derived from `{{G3956}}` (all) and `{{G2904}}` (power/rule). Predominantly found in the book of Revelation, with one occurrence in [[2 Corinthians 6:18]], it functions as a profound descriptor of God's absolute, universal, and unchallengeable sovereignty. Drawing deeply from Old Testament concepts of YHWH Sabaoth and El Shaddai, *pantokrátōr* emphasizes God's omnipotence, His righteous judgment, and His ultimate, victorious reign over all creation and history. Its application to Christ in [[Revelation 1:8]] affirms His divine nature and co-equality in supreme authority. This title serves as a foundational theological declaration, inspiring worship, providing unwavering hope, and assuring believers of God's unassailable power and ultimate triumph.
TRV