from a presumed derivative of ἵστημι (like στερεός); to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm:--fix, (e-)stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb stērízō (`{{G4741}}`) is derived from a presumed root related to hístēmi (`{{G2476}}`, "to stand") and stereós (`{{G4731}}`, "firm, solid"). Its core meaning is to "set fast," "make firm," or "establish." This foundational sense extends into a rich semantic range. Literally, it can denote a resolute turning or setting of one's course, as in "to set one's face steadfastly." Figuratively, and more commonly in the New Testament, stērízō signifies to "confirm," "strengthen," "establish," or "make steadfast." It implies imparting stability, ensuring permanence, and providing unwavering support. The word conveys the idea of moving from a state of potential weakness or instability to one of firmness, resilience, and assuredness, often through divine agency or spiritual encouragement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of stērízō in the New Testament illuminate its varied applications:
* **Resolute Determination:** In [[Luke 9:51]], Jesus is described as having "stedfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem." Here, stērízō emphasizes His unyielding resolve and unwavering commitment to His divine mission, even in the face of impending suffering.
* **Spiritual Strengthening and Restoration:** Following Peter's denial, Jesus tells him, "when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" ([[Luke 22:32]]). This is a charge to fortify and confirm the faith of others, particularly after a period of spiritual weakness or failure.
* **Apostolic Ministry and Divine Confirmation:** Paul expresses his desire to impart a spiritual gift to the Roman believers "that you may be strengthened" ([[Romans 1:11]]). Later, he attributes the power to "establish you according to my gospel" to God Himself ([[Romans 16:25]]). This highlights the divine origin of spiritual stability and the role of the Gospel in grounding believers.
* **Mutual Edification and Steadfastness:** Timothy is sent to the Thessalonians "to strengthen and encourage you in your faith" ([[1 Thessalonians 3:2]]). Paul also prays that God may "strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness" ([[1 Thessalonians 3:13]]). Similarly, in [[2 Thessalonians 2:17]], God is invoked to "comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word." These passages underscore the importance of both divine and human agency in fostering spiritual resilience and moral uprightness.
* **Enduring Faith in Expectation of Christ's Return:** James exhorts believers, "Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand" ([[James 5:8]]). This call to inner fortitude prepares believers for the eschatological hope.
* **Divine Restoration and Establishment in Suffering:** In a profound declaration of God's grace, Peter writes, "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you" ([[1 Peter 5:10]]). Here, stērízō is part of a powerful quartet of verbs, promising divine intervention to solidify believers amidst trials.
* **Call to Revitalization:** The church in Sardis is admonished to "Strengthen what remains and is about to die" ([[Revelation 3:2]]). This is a call to spiritual renewal and to fortify the remnants of their faith and works.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of stērízō is enriched by its relationship to other terms:
* **hístēmi (`{{G2476}}`):** The foundational verb meaning "to stand" or "to cause to stand." This connection emphasizes the idea of stability and being set firmly in place, which stērízō brings to a higher degree of firmness.
* **stereós (`{{G4731}}`):** The adjective meaning "firm, solid, steadfast." This directly relates to the quality of firmness and solidity that stērízō imparts.
* **stērigmós (`{{G4740}}`):** The noun form, meaning "firmness, steadfastness." It represents the state or result of being stērízō-ed.
* **bebaióō (`{{G950}}`):** To confirm, make firm, establish. This term often appears in similar contexts to stērízō, particularly in relation to confirming promises or faith. While stērízō emphasizes the internal strengthening and setting fast, bebaióō often focuses on the external confirmation or validation.
* **hypomonḗ (`{{G5281}}`):** Perseverance, endurance. stērízō contributes to the capacity for hypomonḗ by providing inner strength and stability.
* **Concepts:** Steadfastness, stability, perseverance, divine enablement, spiritual growth, confirmation of truth, and spiritual resilience.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of stērízō is profound, especially concerning the nature of God's work in believers and the dynamics of Christian life:
* **Divine Initiative and Sustenance:** A striking feature of stērízō is the frequent portrayal of God as the primary agent of strengthening and establishing ([[Romans 16:25]], [[2 Thessalonians 2:17]], [[1 Peter 5:10]]). This underscores the truth that spiritual stability and endurance are ultimately a work of divine grace, not merely human effort. God Himself provides the foundation and the power for believers to remain firm in their faith and conduct.
* **Foundation of Faith:** The concept of "establishing" believers in the Gospel ([[Romans 16:25]]) highlights that Christian faith is not a fragile or fleeting sentiment but a divinely confirmed reality, providing a secure ground for life and hope.
* **Empowerment for Holiness and Good Works:** stērízō is linked to the strengthening of hearts for holiness ([[1 Thessalonians 3:13]]) and for every good work and word ([[2 Thessalonians 2:17]]). This indicates that divine strengthening is not merely for passive endurance but for active, Spirit-empowered living that reflects God's character.
* **Resilience in Suffering:** The promise in [[1 Peter 5:10]] that God will "strengthen" believers after suffering is a powerful testament to His faithfulness. It assures believers that even through trials, God will solidify their spiritual foundation, enabling them to emerge confirmed and steadfast.
* **Mutual Responsibility in the Body of Christ:** While God is the ultimate strengthener, the New Testament also calls believers to stērízō one another ([[Luke 22:32]], [[1 Thessalonians 3:2]]). This emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, where believers are instruments of God's strengthening grace for their brothers and sisters, fostering spiritual growth and resilience within the church.
### Summary
The Greek verb stērízō (`{{G4741}}`) conveys the essential meaning of "to set fast," "make firm," "establish," and "strengthen." Its usage ranges from describing a resolute determination, as seen in Jesus' unwavering journey to Jerusalem, to its more frequent and profound application in the realm of spiritual life. stērízō highlights the divine initiative in confirming and strengthening believers in their faith, providing a stable foundation that enables them to endure trials, live righteously, and persevere until the Lord's coming. It underscores that true spiritual stability is a gift from God, received through the Gospel, and often mediated through the mutual encouragement and support within the body of Christ. The concept of stērízō is thus central to understanding Christian perseverance, divine enablement, and the unwavering nature of God's work in the lives of His people.
TRV