στερεόω
stereóō
G4732 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make firm or solid, to strengthen physically or metaphorically. Used of making something stable, secure, or confirmed in position or condition, both in literal (physical) and figurative (moral, spiritual, or institutional) senses. Can refer to reinforcing the physical body, confirming a promise, validating a position, or establishing a foundation.
Semantic Range
to make firm, to render solid, to strengthen physically, to establish (an institution or community), to confirm (a statement or promise), to render steadfast or stable
Root / Etymology
From the adjective στερεός ('firm, solid, steadfast'), formed with the verb-forming suffix -όω. It means 'to make firm or solid.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, στερεόω primarily refers to making something physically solid or steady—such as establishing a foundation or reinforcing an object. Later, especially in Koine Greek and the New Testament, it frequently takes on metaphorical meanings: confirming, establishing, or making strong, especially in relation to persons, communities, or convictions. In the New Testament (Acts 3:7, 16:5; Rom 1:11), it often has the sense of strengthening or confirming either physically (restoring ability to stand/walk) or spiritually (fortifying faith/communities). The Septuagint uses it both for physical strengthening (e.g., of a person's hands) and for confirming covenants or promises. Standard English translations tend to render this word as 'establish,' 'confirm,' or 'strengthen,' depending on context, but may not always capture the full range which includes both literal and metaphorical reinforcement.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from στερεός; to solidify, i.e. confirm (literally or figuratively):--establish, receive strength, make strong.
Root Family
στερεόω (stereoō) — to make firm, to strengthen, to establish
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4732-02 |
ἐστερεώθησαν | estereothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
were strengthened | they were made firm | they were made firm | 1 |
G4732-01 |
ἐστερέωσεν | estereosen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
has strengthened | made firm | made firm | 1 |
G4732-03 |
ἐστερεοῦντο | estereounto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL |
were strengthened | they were being made firm | they were being made firm | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4732-02 |
Acts 3:7 | ἐστερεώθησαν | estereothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
were strengthened | they were made firm | they were made firm |
G4732-01 |
Acts 3:16 | ἐστερέωσεν | estereosen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
has strengthened | made firm | made firm |
G4732-03 |
Acts 16:5 | ἐστερεοῦντο | estereounto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P PL |
were strengthened | they were being made firm | they were being made firm |