← G2728 G2730 →

κατισχύω

katischýō

G2729 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To become strong against, to overpower, to exert superior strength; in context, to prevail over, gain mastery over, or prove stronger than someone or something. Depending on usage, may denote overcoming resistance, defeating an opponent, or maintaining strength so as not to be overcome.

Semantic Range

to overpower, to prevail (against), to overcome, to gain mastery over, to prove stronger than, to maintain strength and not be overcome

Root / Etymology

Formed from the prepositional prefix κατα- (kata-, meaning 'against, down') and the verb ἰσχύω (ischýō, meaning 'to be strong, to have power'). The compound emphasizes exerting strength against someone or something, often with a sense of overcoming or suppressing.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Classically, the simplex ἰσχύω means 'to be strong' or 'to have strength.' The compound κατισχύω intensifies this with the preposition κατα-, signifying not merely possessing strength but directing it against an obstacle or adversary in order to prevail or subdue. In Hellenistic Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 16:18), κατισχύω is used to describe prevailing, overcoming, or being victorious over opposition. In the Septuagint, parallels occur where the meaning closely matches 'to overpower' or 'to prove the stronger.' Standard English translations like 'prevail (against)' capture the adversarial sense but may underplay the nuance of strength specifically directed against opposition.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κατά and ἰσχύω; to overpower:--prevail (against).

Root Family

ἰσχύ- (enischýō) — to be strong, to have power, to be able

Root ἰσχύ- to be strong, to have strength, to overcome
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1765 ἐνισχύω strengthening
G1840 ἐξισχύω you may be fully able
G2480 ἰσχύω is strong

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2729-01 κατίσχυον katischuon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL prevailed they were overpowering they were overpowering 1
G2729-02 κατισχύσητε katischusete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL you may have strength you may overpower you may have strength 1
G2729-03 κατισχύσουσιν katischusousin V FUT ACT IND 3P PL prevail they will overpower will overpower 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2729-03 Matthew 16:18 κατισχύσουσιν katischusousin V FUT ACT IND 3P PL prevail they will overpower will overpower
G2729-02 Luke 21:36 κατισχύσητε katischusete V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P PL you may have strength you may overpower you may have strength
G2729-01 Luke 23:23 κατίσχυον katischuon V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL prevailed they were overpowering they were overpowering
← G2728 Greek Lexicon G2730 →