ἐξισχύω
exischýō
G1840 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be able with full strength or capability; to have sufficient power or ability for a particular task or challenge. Primary sense: to be completely able or to prevail fully in a situation. Extended sense: to be strong enough, to have the required strength, or to be entirely competent to accomplish something.
Semantic Range
to be fully able, to have complete strength, to prevail, to be competent, to be strong enough, to succeed in an effort
Root / Etymology
From the preposition ἐκ ('out of', 'from') and the verb ἰσχύω ('to be strong', 'to be able'), so literally 'to be strong enough out of oneself' or 'to be fully able'. The compound intensifies the idea of ability or strength beyond that of ἰσχύω on its own.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἐξισχύω is rare in both classical and Koine Greek. Its usage in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 13:24) emphasizes not mere ability, but the idea of having sufficient or complete strength, especially in contexts where opposition or challenge is implied. The prefix ἐξ- increases the intensity of the root, focusing on total capacity or power to succeed. The term may contrast with related words such as δυνατός (able, powerful in a general or potential sense), as ἐξισχύω stresses sufficiency or completeness of strength rather than mere potential. English translations often render it simply as 'be able,' but this underrepresents the intensive nuance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and ἰσχύω; to have full strength, i.e. be entirely competent:--be able.
Root Family
ἐξισχύω (exischyō) — to be strong, to have power, to be fully able, to prevail
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1840-01 |
ἐξισχύσητε | exischusete | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL |
you may be empowered | you may be fully able | you may be fully able | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1840-01 |
Ephesians 3:18 | ἐξισχύσητε | exischusete | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL |
you may be empowered | you may be fully able | you may be fully able |