ἐνισχύω
enischýō
G1765 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to make strong, to strengthen, to cause to become vigorous or more capable. Used transitively to refer to giving strength or encouragement to someone or something, and sometimes reflexively (to be or become strengthened). Includes both physical and non-physical (moral, emotional, or spiritual) senses.
Semantic Range
to strengthen, to make strong, to cause to be able, to reinforce, to encourage, to increase in vigor, to fortify (physically, emotionally, or spiritually)
Root / Etymology
From ἐν (in, within) + ἰσχύω (to be strong, to have power), formed as a compound verb common in Koine Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἐνισχύω appears primarily in later Greek (Hellenistic and Koine periods), and is attested in the Septuagint and the New Testament, but is uncommon or unattested in earlier classical sources. In the LXX, it often translates Hebrew verbs for 'to make firm' or 'to encourage' (e.g., חָזַק, חָֽזָקָה), conveying both physical and moral or spiritual strengthening. In New Testament usage, the term is employed for both literal (Luke 22:43: 'an angel strengthening him') and figurative encouragement. English translations often render it as 'strengthen', 'encourage', or 'make strong,' but these translations do not always fully capture the breadth of increased capability (physically, emotionally, or spiritually) the term may signify. The focus is not merely on restoration or maintenance of previous strength, but on increasing or imparting strength or capacity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐν and ἰσχύω; to invigorate (transitively or reflexively):--strengthen.
Root Family
ἰσχύ- (enischýō) — to be strong, to have power, to be able
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G1840 | ἐξισχύω | you may be fully able |
| G2480 | ἰσχύω | is strong |
| G2729 | κατισχύω | they were overpowering |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1765-01 |
ἐνισχύων | enischuon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
strengthening | strengthening | strengthening | 1 |
G1765-02 |
ἐνισχύθη | enischuthe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
he was strengthened | was made strong | he was strengthened | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1765-01 |
Luke 22:43 | ἐνισχύων | enischuon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
strengthening | strengthening | strengthening |
G1765-02 |
Acts 9:19 | ἐνισχύθη | enischuthe | V AOR PASS IND 3P SG |
he was strengthened | was made strong | he was strengthened |