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κράτος

krátos

G2904 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Principal meaning: strength, power, force. In literary and historical contexts, κράτος refers to physical or inherent strength, power to accomplish or control, and the capacity to exert force. In political or royal contexts, it can denote authority, dominion, or sovereignty. In moral or figurative contexts, it may emphasize superior or overwhelming force, or preeminent power as opposed to mere capacity.

Semantic Range

physical strength, bodily power, might, force, manifestation of power, authority, dominion, sovereignty, victorious power, supremacy

Root / Etymology

A primary Greek noun (not derived from a verb in attested Greek), possibly connected to the PIE root *ker- ('to grow, strong'). Cognate with related Greek terms such as κρατύς (kratus, 'strong'), though exact etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κράτος is often used for physical strength, might, or power—whether human, divine, or natural (e.g., the force of nature). The term occurs in Greek literature describing both the tangible power of heroes and the cosmic strength of deities. In the political domain, it comes to mean authority or sovereign rule, though more commonly paired in compounds such as δημοκρατία (democracy, 'rule of the people'). In the Septuagint and New Testament, κράτος is frequently used with divine reference, highlighting God's surpassing might or victorious power, often in doxologies. English translation as 'dominion' sometimes narrows the sense to ruling authority, whereas Greek κράτος can convey a broader idea of overpowering strength, capable of overcoming resistance. Distinct from δύναμις (dynamis, 'power', often denoting potential or capacity) and ἐξουσία (exousia, 'authority'), κράτος leans toward manifest, prevailing strength or exhibited might.

Translation Consistency

primary "power" 10 occurrences

Most natural and common English rendering that covers the full semantic range (physical strength, force, authority, dominion). It is the most frequent P2 choice and reads naturally across political, physical, and figurative contexts, ensuring consistent translation for all forms of κράτος.

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"might" (1x) "strength" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps a primary word; vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively):--dominion, might(-ily), power, strength.

Root Family

κράτ- (krátistos) — to be strong, to possess power

Root κράτ- strength, power, might, force
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G2903 κράτιστος Most Mighty One

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2904-02 κράτος kratos N ACC N SG dominion power power 10
G2904-01 κράτει kratei N DAT N SG power to/for strength strength 1
G2904-03 κράτους kratous N GEN N SG might of power might 1

Occurrences in Scripture

12 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2904-02 Luke 1:51 κράτος kratos N ACC N SG mighty deeds power power
G2904-02 Acts 19:20 κράτος kratos N ACC N SG with power power power
G2904-03 Ephesians 1:19 κράτους kratous N GEN N SG might of power might
G2904-01 Ephesians 6:10 κράτει kratei N DAT N SG power to/for strength strength
G2904-02 Colossians 1:11 κράτος kratos N ACC N SG might power power
G2904-02 1 Timothy 6:16 κράτος kratos N NOM N SG power power power
G2904-02 Hebrews 2:14 κράτος kratos N ACC N SG power power power
G2904-02 1 Peter 4:11 κράτος kratos N NOM N SG dominion power power
G2904-02 1 Peter 5:11 κράτος kratos N NOM N SG dominion power power
G2904-02 Jude 1:25 κράτος kratos N NOM N SG dominion power power
G2904-02 Revelation 1:6 κράτος kratos N NOM N SG dominion power power
G2904-02 Revelation 5:13 κράτος kratos N NOM N SG might power power
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