### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **bebaióō**, represented by `{{G950}}`, means to stabilitate, confirm, or establish. It is derived from a root word signifying firmness. Appearing **9 times** in **8 unique verses**, this term is used figuratively in the New Testament to describe the act of making something sure, reliable, and secure, whether it be a promise, a message, or a person's spiritual standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G950}}` is applied to several divine actions. It is used to describe how God **confirms** His word through accompanying signs, as seen when the Lord worked with the disciples after His ascension [[Mark 16:20]]. The message of salvation, first spoken by the Lord, was **confirmed** to later believers by those who originally heard it [[Hebrews 2:3]]. The term also describes God's work in securing believers, as He is the one who **stablisheth** us in Christ [[2 Corinthians 1:21]] and will **confirm** the saints to the end, making them blameless [[1 Corinthians 1:8]]. Furthermore, Christ's ministry served to **confirm** the promises God made to the fathers [[Romans 15:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of being established or confirmed:
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis** (faith): This word for moral conviction and reliance upon Christ is directly linked to `{{G950}}`. Believers are to be **stablished** in the **faith** as they have been taught [[Colossians 2:7]].
* `{{G1860}}` **epangelía** (promise): This term, meaning a divine assurance of good, is what Christ came to **confirm**. His ministry fulfilled the **promises** made to the patriarchs, demonstrating God's faithfulness [[Romans 15:8]].
* `{{G4592}}` **sēmeîon** (sign): A **sign** is an indication, often supernatural, that validates a message. The Lord confirmed the word His disciples preached with **signs** following [[Mark 16:20]].
* `{{G410}}` **anénklētos** (blameless): This describes the ultimate state of a believer who has been confirmed by God. He will **confirm** them so they may be **blameless** on the day of the Lord Jesus Christ [[1 Corinthians 1:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G950}}` centers on God as the source of all stability and certainty.
* **Divine Assurance:** The word underscores that the Christian message is not based on human thought but is divinely validated. The testimony of Christ was **confirmed** among the believers [[1 Corinthians 1:6]], and the message of salvation was **confirmed** through witnesses [[Hebrews 2:3]].
* **Spiritual Security:** It is God who **stablisheth** believers in Christ [[2 Corinthians 1:21]]. This provides assurance of the believer's secure position and perseverance, which is a work of God, not human effort.
* **Inner Steadfastness:** Believers are called to be **stablished** in their faith, which is connected to being rooted and built up in Christ [[Colossians 2:7]]. This stability is contrasted with being carried about by strange doctrines, as the heart is best **established** with grace [[Hebrews 13:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G950}}` is a crucial term for understanding the reliability of God's work. It describes the divine action of making something firm and unshakable. From **confirming** the truth of the gospel message with signs and witnesses to **establishing** the hearts of believers in grace and securing their ultimate standing in Christ, **bebaióō** points consistently to God as the one who provides all true and lasting stability.
TRV