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ἰσχυρός

ischyrós

G2478 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Having physical strength, power, or force; possessing the capacity to act with might or vigor. In various contexts, denotes someone or something that is strong, powerful, robust, mighty, or capable, whether in physical, moral, social, or even figurative senses. May also refer to something possessing great intensity, forcefulness, or effectiveness.

Semantic Range

strong (physically or in character), powerful, mighty, robust, capable, forceful, prevalent, intense

Root / Etymology

From the noun ἰσχύς ('strength, power, force') + adjectival suffix -ρός. Related to the verb ἰσχύω ('to be strong, to be able, to prevail'). The root is ἰσχύ-; Indo-European connections are possible but tenuous; etymology in pre-Greek remains uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἰσχυρός is attested from the 5th century BCE and is primarily used to describe individuals or objects possessing notable strength or power, including warriors, animals, weapons, or even abstract concepts (such as laws or influences). In the Septuagint, it is regularly employed to translate Hebrew terms like חָזָק (ḥāzāq, 'strong') and גִּבּוֹר (gibbōr, 'mighty, valiant'), signifying both physical might and courageous bearing. In the New Testament, ἰσχυρός is used for people, angels, and forces (e.g., "strong man," "strong angel," "mighty wind"), as well as metaphorically for things of great strength or authority (e.g., Luke 11:21, Revelation 5:2). The term's semantic range can also touch on moral strength or influence. English translations such as 'strong,' 'mighty,' or 'powerful' capture the central sense but do not always reflect the fullness of its application in ancient sources, where the word could encompass literal, figurative, and even hyperbolic uses. Unlike some other Greek adjectives for strength (such as δυνάμενος, 'capable, able'), ἰσχυρός emphasizes inherent might or force rather than potential or permission.

Translation Consistency

primary "strong" 21 occurrences

'Strong' is the most common and natural English rendering across the SILEX range (physical, moral, social, and figurative strength). It matches the majority of existing P2 renderings (18/23), is simple and versatile, and will provide consistent, idiomatic translations for all forms of G2478.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"mighty" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἰσχύς; forcible (literally or figuratively):--boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant.

Root Family

ἰσχυρός (ischyros) — strong, powerful, mighty, robust, forceful

Root ἰσχυ- to be strong, to have physical power, to be mighty
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G24785 the stronger ones

Word Forms

8 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2478-06 ἰσχυρόν ischuron ADJ.S ACC M SG mighty strong one strong one 7
G2478-05 ἰσχυροί ischuroi ADJ.P NOM M PL strong strong ones strong ones 4
G2478-01 ἰσχυρὰ ischura ADJ.A NOM F SG mighty strong strong 4
G2478-07 ἰσχυρὸς ischuros ADJ.S NOM M SG strong strong one mighty 3
G2478-08 ἰσχυροῦ ischurou ADJ.S GEN M SG strong of a strong one strong one 2
G2478-04 ἰσχυρᾶς ischuras ADJ.A GEN F SG loud of a strong one strong 1
G2478-02 ἰσχυραί ischurai ADJ.S NOM F PL powerful strong ones strong 1
G2478-03 ἰσχυρὰν ischuran ADJ.S ACC F SG strong strong strong 1

Occurrences in Scripture

23 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2478-08 Matthew 12:29 ἰσχυροῦ ischurou ADJ.S GEN M SG strong of a strong one strong one
G2478-06 Matthew 12:29 ἰσχυρόν ischuron ADJ.S ACC M SG strong man strong one strong one
G2478-06 Matthew 14:30 ἰσχυρὸν ischuron ADJ.P ACC M SG boisterous strong one strong
G2478-08 Mark 3:27 ἰσχυροῦ ischurou ADJ.S GEN M SG strong of a strong one strong one
G2478-06 Mark 3:27 ἰσχυρὸν ischuron ADJ.S ACC M SG strong strong one strong one
G2478-07 Luke 11:21 ἰσχυρὸς ischuros ADJ.S NOM M SG strong man strong one the strong one
G2478-01 Luke 15:14 ἰσχυρὰ ischura ADJ.A NOM F SG severe strong strong
G2478-01 1 Corinthians 1:27 ἰσχυρά ischura ADJ.S ACC N PL strong things strong strong
G2478-05 1 Corinthians 4:10 ἰσχυροί ischuroi ADJ.P NOM M PL strong strong ones strong ones
G2478-02 2 Corinthians 10:10 ἰσχυραί ischurai ADJ.S NOM F PL powerful strong ones strong
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