σθενόω
sthenóō
G4599 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make strong; to reinforce or empower, either physically, mentally, or, in figurative language, in moral or spiritual resolve. The term can be used for increasing bodily strength as well as giving confidence or fortitude in a non-physical sense. In extended contexts, it may also refer to confirming or establishing someone in their convictions or commitments.
Semantic Range
to strengthen, to make strong, to empower, to confirm, to reinforce, to establish in resolve or commitment
Root / Etymology
From the root σθέν-, relating to strength or power, cognate but not directly derived from ἵστημι ('to stand'). Related to the noun σθένος ('strength, power, vigor'). The formation σθενόω is a denominative verb built on this stem, conveying the action of imparting or rendering strength.
Historical & Contextual Notes
σθενόω is rare in classical Greek and is not attested in major authors; it appears mainly in later Greek, including Christian and Hellenistic writings. Its semantic core—'to strengthen'—remained stable, but in Koine, especially in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 9:19), it often acquires a metaphorical or spiritual nuance: to enable or empower someone beyond mere physical capacity, frequently with reference to inner fortitude or confirmation in faith. In the Septuagint, comparable terms function to render Hebrew words for making strong or firm. Standard English translations typically render this as 'strengthen,' but this can obscure the figurative or confirmatory nuance present in some contexts. The verb is closely related to other Greek words denoting strength and confirmation, such as ἐνδυναμόω ('to empower, enable') but is more narrowly focused on the idea of imparting vigor or reinforcing capacity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (bodily vigor; probably akin to the base of ἵστημι); to strengthen, i.e. (figuratively) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power):--strengthen.
Root Family
σθενόω (sthenoō) — to be strong, to empower, to fortify
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4599-01 |
σθενώσει | sthenosei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
strengthen | will strengthen | will strengthen | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4599-01 |
1 Peter 5:10 | σθενώσει | sthenosei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
strengthen | will strengthen | will strengthen |