ἐπιστηρίζω
epistērízō
G1991 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To establish firmly, to support so as to make secure, to strengthen or reinforce. In specific contexts, refers to imparting stability or renewed firmness—such as affirming a person, group, or conviction in their resolve or practice, or confirming prior teaching. The primary sense is of providing renewed or additional stability or firmness where a previous foundation already exists.
Semantic Range
to support further, to strengthen additionally, to reinforce, to confirm (morally, spiritually, communally), to reestablish or make secure again
Root / Etymology
From ἐπί (epi, 'upon, on, over') and στηρίζω (stērizō, 'to make firm, to support, to strengthen'). The compound signifies action that builds upon an existing position or foundation, intensifying the basic sense of 'to support' or 'to strengthen' by adding the nuance of 'upon' or 'in addition.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine Greek, ἐπιστηρίζω is relatively rare, found primarily in later Hellenistic writings, Septuagint, and New Testament texts. It carries a more intensive or iterative sense than στηρίζω alone, often used in the New Testament concerning the spiritual and communal well-being of early assemblies—typically in the context of visits or messages intended to confirm or reinforce the faith or steadfastness of existing believers. The verb is not found in earlier Classical Greek, and its New Testament use often reflects the pastoral concern of the writers to solidify the recipients' commitment after initial instruction. Standard English translations such as 'confirm' or 'strengthen' capture the basic force but may lose the nuance of repeating or building upon previous establishment. The term is semantically distinct from ἑδραιόω ('to make steadfast, establish') by focusing on ongoing support rather than initial founding, and from βεβαιόω ('to make firm, to guarantee'), which often carries a legal or contractual sense.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐπί and στηρίζω; to support further, i.e. reestablish:--confirm, strengthen.
Root Family
στηρίζ- (epistērízō) — to support, to make firm, to strengthen
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1991-01 |
ἐπεστήριξαν | epesterixan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
strengthened | they reinforced | they strengthened | 1 |
G1991-02 |
ἐπιστηρίζων | episterizon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
strengthening | further strengthening | strengthening | 1 |
G1991-03 |
ἐπιστηρίζοντες | episterizontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
strengthening | reinforcing further | strengthening | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1991-03 |
Acts 14:22 | ἐπιστηρίζοντες | episterizontes | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M PL |
strengthening | reinforcing further | strengthening |
G1991-01 |
Acts 15:32 | ἐπεστήριξαν | epesterixan | V AOR ACT IND 3P PL |
strengthened | they reinforced | they strengthened |
G1991-02 |
Acts 15:41 | ἐπιστηρίζων | episterizon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
strengthening | further strengthening | strengthening |