### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sthenóō**, represented by `{{G4599}}`, means to **strengthen**. Derived from a word indicating bodily vigor, its biblical usage is figurative, referring to the act of confirming someone in spiritual knowledge and power. This specific term is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4599}}` is in [[1 Peter 5:10]], where it is part of a powerful promise from God. After believers have "suffered a while," the passage states that the God of all grace will perform a sequence of actions: "make you perfect, stablish, **strengthen**, settle you." In this context, to **strengthen** is a divine act of imparting spiritual power and confirming the believer, occurring as part of a larger process of restoration and maturation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside `{{G4599}}` in its only scriptural context, providing a fuller picture of this divine work:
* `{{G2675}}` **katartízō**: This word means "to complete thoroughly, i.e. repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust." In [[1 Peter 5:10]], it is translated as "make you perfect," and it is also used for the act of restoring a person who has been overtaken in a fault [[Galatians 6:1]].
* `{{G4741}}` **stērízō**: Defined as "to set fast... or (figuratively) to confirm," this term appears as "stablish" in [[1 Peter 5:10]]. It is similarly used in the command to "stablish your hearts" for the Lord's coming [[James 5:8]].
* `{{G2311}}` **themelióō**: This term means "to lay a basis for... ground, settle." It appears as "settle" in [[1 Peter 5:10]] and is used elsewhere to describe a house "founded upon a rock" [[Matthew 7:25]] or believers being "grounded in love" [[Ephesians 3:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4599}}` is concentrated in its singular use, highlighting God's direct role in fortifying His people.
* **Empowerment Through Trial:** The promise to **strengthen** is given specifically to those who "have suffered a while" [[1 Peter 5:10]], indicating that divine strengthening is a key component of God's response to the trials of a believer.
* **A Component of Spiritual Completion:** The word does not stand alone. It is part of a four-fold process that includes being made perfect `{{G2675}}`, stablished `{{G4741}}`, and settled `{{G2311}}`, suggesting that true spiritual strength is intrinsically linked to completeness, stability, and a firm foundation.
* **Confirmation in Power:** As its base definition suggests, to **strengthen** is to "confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power)." This action is performed by "the God of all grace," who has called believers to eternal glory through Christ Jesus [[1 Peter 5:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4599}}` is a focused and potent term for divine strengthening. Its single appearance in [[1 Peter 5:10]], nestled among other words of restoration, defines it as a crucial aspect of God's work in a believer's life. It illustrates that after a period of suffering, God's grace acts not only to repair and establish but also to impart the spiritual vigor and power necessary for enduring faith.
TRV