ἰσχύω
ischuō
be strong
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἰσχύω (ischuō) means "to be strong." This verb is used 28 times in the Bible, indicating its significance in various contexts. In its most basic sense, ischuō refers to physical or material strength, but it can also convey a sense of moral or spiritual resilience. The range of usage for ischuō is quite broad, encompassing both literal and figurative meanings. It can describe physical abilities, such as the strength of a warrior or the power of a wild animal. However, it can also be used metaphorically to describe emotional or spiritual fortitude, as in the context of facing challenges or overcoming adversity. The significance of ischuō lies in its emphasis on the human capacity for resilience and perseverance. In a world where vulnerability and weakness are often seen as liabilities, ischuō highlights the importance of strength and courage in the face of adversity. By using this word, the biblical authors underscore the value of developing inner strength and fortitude, which can be applied to various aspects of life.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
28 total occurrences across the text
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men.
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that nobody could pass that way.
Matthew 9:12When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Matthew 26:40He came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?
Mark 2:17When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Mark 5:4because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
Mark 9:18and wherever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams at the mouth, and grinds his teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren’t able.”
Mark 14:37He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Couldn’t you watch one hour?
Luke 6:48He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock.
Luke 8:43A woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all her living on physicians and could not be healed by any
Luke 13:24“Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in and will not be able.
Luke 14:6They couldn’t answer him regarding these things.
Luke 14:29Or perhaps, when he has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him,
Luke 14:30saying, ‘This man began to build, and wasn’t able to finish.’
Luke 16:3“The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don’t have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg.
Luke 20:26They weren’t able to trap him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer and were silent.
John 21:6He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.
Acts 6:10They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.
Acts 15:10Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
Acts 19:16The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
Acts 19:20So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty.
Acts 25:7When he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove,
Acts 27:16Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.
Galatians 5:6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.
Philippians 4:13I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
Hebrews 9:17For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while he who made it lives.
James 5:16Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
Revelation 12:8They didn’t prevail. No place was found for them any more in heaven.