from the perfect tense of ἵστημι; to be stationary, i.e. (figuratively) to persevere:--stand (fast).
Transliteration:stḗkō
Pronunciation:stay'-ko
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb στήκω (stḗkō, `{{G4739}}`) is derived from the perfect tense of ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), a fundamental verb meaning "to stand," "to cause to stand," or "to set." The perfect tense of ἵστημι inherently conveys a state of having stood, thus στήκω signifies "to be stationary" or "to be in a standing position." However, its predominant usage in the New Testament extends beyond the literal to a profound figurative sense: "to persevere," "to stand firm," "to remain steadfast," or "to be unyielding." This semantic range highlights stability, immobility against external forces, and resolute endurance in the face of challenges. It implies a settled and unwavering posture, both physically and, more significantly, spiritually.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While στήκω can denote a literal physical stance, as seen in [[Mark 11:25]] ("And whenever you stand praying..."), its most frequent and theologically significant occurrences are in the Pauline epistles, where it consistently carries a figurative meaning of spiritual steadfastness.
In [[Romans 14:4]], Paul uses the verb in the context of Christian liberty concerning disputable matters: "To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand." Here, "to stand" implies justification and acceptance before God, a divinely enabled steadfastness.
The exhortation to "stand firm" is a recurring motif in Paul's pastoral counsel. In [[1 Corinthians 16:13]], believers are urged, "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong." This is a call to spiritual maturity and unwavering commitment to the tenets of the gospel. Similarly, [[Galatians 5:1]] powerfully declares, "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." Here, στήκω underscores the necessity of maintaining the liberty secured by Christ, resisting any reversion to legalistic bondage.
Philippians offers two significant uses: [[Philippians 1:27]] encourages believers to be "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel," emphasizing unity and corporate steadfastness in the face of opposition. Later, in [[Philippians 4:1]], Paul affectionately exhorts, "Therefore, my beloved brothers, whom I long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved." This personal appeal reinforces the call to unwavering commitment to Christ.
The Thessalonian letters also feature στήκω prominently. In [[1 Thessalonians 3:8]], Paul expresses his renewed life and joy "For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord," linking the believers' perseverance to the apostle's spiritual well-being. Finally, [[2 Thessalonians 2:15]] provides a clear directive: "So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter." This highlights the importance of steadfast adherence to apostolic teaching against the backdrop of eschatological deception. Across these contexts, στήκω consistently calls for an active, resolute, and enduring posture of faith and obedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological root of στήκω is ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), which is crucial for understanding its core meaning of "to stand." Other related Greek terms and concepts illuminate its semantic field:
* στηρίζω (stērizō, `{{G4741}}`): "to make firm," "to establish," "to strengthen." This verb often describes God's action in enabling believers to στήκω.
* ἑδραῖος (hedraios, `{{G1764}}`): An adjective meaning "steadfast," "firm," "settled." It describes the *quality* of one who στήκω.
* ὑπομονή (hypomonē, `{{G5281}}`): "Endurance," "perseverance." This noun describes the *act* or *virtue* of standing firm over time.
* μένω (menō, `{{G3306}}`): "To abide," "to remain." Often used in contexts of remaining in Christ or in the truth, conceptually aligned with standing firm.
* The concept of "spiritual warfare" (cf. [[Ephesians 6:10-18]]) is deeply connected, as "standing firm" is the primary posture against the schemes of the devil, even though στήκω itself is not used in that specific passage, the idea of "standing" (ἵστημι) is central in [[Ephesians 6:13-14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of στήκω is profound, particularly within the Pauline corpus. It is more than passive endurance; it is an active, resolute, and divinely empowered posture of faithfulness.
1. **Steadfastness in Faith:** The repeated exhortation to "stand firm in the faith" ([[1 Corinthians 16:13]]) emphasizes the necessity of an unwavering commitment to the gospel and its truths. This is not a static state but a dynamic resistance against pressures to compromise or abandon one's convictions.
2. **Reliance on God:** While στήκω calls for human effort, it is always understood as a God-enabled steadfastness. Paul's confidence that the Lord "is able to make him stand" ([[Romans 14:4]]) underscores that true perseverance is rooted in divine power and grace, not merely human resolve.
3. **Maintaining Liberty:** In [[Galatians 5:1]], standing firm is intrinsically linked to preserving the freedom found in Christ. It signifies a refusal to revert to legalism or any form of spiritual bondage, upholding the liberating truth of the gospel.
4. **Unity and Corporate Witness:** [[Philippians 1:27]] reveals that standing firm is not just an individual act but a corporate endeavor, involving unity of spirit and purpose among believers as they contend for the faith. This collective steadfastness strengthens the church's witness.
5. **Adherence to Apostolic Teaching:** [[2 Thessalonians 2:15]] highlights the importance of standing firm in the traditions (teachings) received from the apostles, serving as a bulwark against doctrinal error and spiritual deception.
In essence, στήκω encapsulates the Christian's call to spiritual integrity, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to Christ and His truth in a fallen world.
### Summary
The Greek verb στήκω (stḗkō, `{{G4739}}`), derived from the perfect tense of ἵστημι (histēmi, `{{G2476}}`), fundamentally means "to be stationary" or "to have stood." In the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles, its primary usage is figurative, conveying the vital concept of "to stand firm," "to persevere," or "to be steadfast." This term calls believers to an active, resolute, and enduring posture in their faith, resisting spiritual pressures, false teachings, and worldly influences. It is a divinely enabled steadfastness, emphasizing reliance on God's power while demanding human commitment to the gospel, Christian liberty, and apostolic truth. στήκω serves as a powerful reminder of the unwavering stability required for faithful Christian living and witness.
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