Word Study for G4741 (στηρίζω)

stērízō /stay-rid'-zo/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom a presumed derivative of ἵστημι (like στερεός)

Meaningto set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm

KJV usagefix, (e-)stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of stērízō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word stērízō, represented by G4741, means to set fast or confirm. It appears 14 times in 13 unique verses in the Bible. Its definition encompasses both the literal idea of fixing something firmly in place and the figurative sense of establishing or strengthening a person in their resolve or faith.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In scripture, G4741 is used both literally and figuratively. Literally, it describes the "great gulf fixed" between the rich man and Lazarus, making it impassable Luke 16:26. It is also used to describe Jesus's determination as he "stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" Luke 9:51. Figuratively, it most often relates to the spiritual strengthening of believers. God is the one with the power to stablish believers in the gospel Romans 16:25, and the Lord is described as faithful to stablish and keep them from evil 2 Thessalonians 3:3. The goal of this spiritual establishment is for believers' hearts to be "unblameable in holiness" 1 Thessalonians 3:13.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words clarify the concept of being established or strengthened:

G4599 sthenóō (to strengthen): Used alongside G4741, it emphasizes confirming believers in spiritual knowledge and power 1 Peter 5:10.
G2311 themelióō (to lay a basis for, consolidate): This term also appears with G4741 and highlights the idea of creating a firm, settled foundation for faith 1 Peter 5:10.
G1994 epistréphō (to revert, convert, return): The act of strengthening others can be a direct result of one's own conversion. After being converted, Peter is instructed to strengthen his brethren Luke 22:32.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4741 is significant, outlining the process of spiritual maturation and security.

Divine Action: The primary source of establishment is God himself. He is the one with the "power to stablish" believers Romans 16:25 and who will faithfully stablish and keep them 2 Thessalonians 3:3. This divine work is an act of grace 1 Peter 5:10.
Endurance and Hope: Believers are encouraged to stablish their hearts in anticipation of the Lord's return James 5:8. This stability is crucial for standing firm in the faith and remaining unblameable before God 1 Thessalonians 3:13.
Communal Responsibility: While God is the ultimate source of strength, believers have a role in establishing one another. Paul sent Timothy to establish the Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 3:2, and Peter was commissioned to strengthen his brethren after his own conversion Luke 22:32.

Summary

In summary, G4741 moves beyond a simple definition of being fixed. It is a cornerstone concept for Christian perseverance and spiritual security. The term illustrates a dynamic process that is initiated by God's grace, required for holy living and endurance, and carried out in part through the mutual encouragement of believers. From the literal barrier of a fixed gulf to the spiritual act of God who stablishes a believer's heart, G4741 defines what it means to be made firm and steadfast in the faith.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 13 occurrences, inflected in 10 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Singular 2×
Aorist Active Infinitive 2×
Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Active Optative 3rd Singular 1×
Aorist Passive Infinitive 1×
Perfect Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Perfect Passive Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future: Action yet to take place.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect: A completed act whose results continue.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Imperative: A command or entreaty.
Optative: A wish or prayer — rare in the New Testament.
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 8 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke (3 verses); never once in the other 19.

Luke

Romans

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

James

1 Peter

2 Peter

Revelation

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.