Lexical Summary brachión: Arm Original Word: βραχίων Strong's Exhaustive Concordance arm. Properly, comparative of brachus, but apparently in the sense of brasso (to wield); the arm, i.e. (figuratively) strength -- arm. see GREEK brachus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincptv. of brachus Definition the arm NASB Translation arm (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1023: βραχίωνβραχίων, βραχίονος, ὁ (from Homer down), the arm: the βραχίων of God is spoken of Hebraistically for the might, the power of God, Luke 1:51 (cf. Deuteronomy 4:34; Deuteronomy 5:15; Deuteronomy 26:8); John 12:38 (Isaiah 53:1); Acts 13:17. Topical Lexicon Root Meaning and Old Testament Background Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures the “arm” signifies effective strength, especially Yahweh’s sovereign ability to redeem, judge, and sustain His covenant people (Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 4:34; Psalm 98:1; Isaiah 52:10). The Septuagint regularly employs βραχίων to translate the Hebrew zᵊrôaʿ, so New Testament readers inherited a rich theological backdrop: the “arm of the LORD” embodies both His might and His mercy, unfolding redemptive history from the Exodus to the promised Messianic deliverance. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. John 12:38—John cites Isaiah 53:1, “Lord, who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”. Here Christ Himself is the unveiled Arm, and unbelief in Him fulfills prophecy. Arm as Metaphor for Divine Power and Salvation In each occurrence βραχίων portrays decisive, saving intervention: The arm motif fuses God’s omnipotence with covenant fidelity, showing that true power is exercised for salvation and not merely domination. Christological Fulfillment Isaiah’s “arm of the LORD” materializes in Jesus. His miracles, atoning death, and resurrection constitute the climactic “mighty deed.” When John couples Isaiah 53 with unbelief, he underscores that rejection of Christ is rejection of God’s redemptive arm. Conversely, Mary’s Magnificat recognizes the Incarnation as that same arm now active within history. The early church’s preaching (Acts 13) interprets the Exodus and all ensuing acts of power as anticipatory shadows of Christ’s definitive redemption. Soteriological and Missional Implications Paul’s rehearsal of Israel’s account situates the gospel within God’s ongoing demonstration of strength. The arm that once liberated from Pharaoh now frees from sin and death. Proclaimers of the gospel therefore call hearers to trust not in human might but in the revealed Arm—Jesus Christ crucified and risen. Unbelief is shown to be moral, not intellectual, for the arm has already been “revealed.” Pastoral and Devotional Application Believers draw assurance from the Arm’s unwavering power: Historical Usage in Early Church and Worship Early Christian writers interpreted the “arm” christologically (e.g., Justin Martyr, Irenaeus), emphasizing that divine power is self-revealed in the incarnate Son. Baptismal liturgies celebrated deliverance “by the strong and outstretched arm,” linking water crossing themes to union with Christ. Hymns such as “O Arm of the Lord, awake” continued this devotional lineage. Eschatological Hope Prophets foresaw a day when “all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God” (Isaiah 52:10). Revelation anticipates consummation when every opposing power is subdued by the Lamb’s authority, the ultimate display of the Arm’s might. Thus βραχίων invites believers to await the final victory with steadfast hope. Key Theological Themes Power with purpose; covenant faithfulness; reversal of human pride; Christ as divine agent; continuity between Exodus and Gospel; assurance for mission and worship. Related Old Testament Passages Exodus 6:6; Deuteronomy 4:34; Psalm 44:3; Psalm 98:1; Isaiah 40:10-11; Isaiah 52:10; Isaiah 53:1; Jeremiah 32:17. Summary βραχίων focuses attention on God’s mighty, saving action, culminating in Jesus Christ. From the Exodus to the empty tomb, Scripture presents one consistent narrative: the Arm of the LORD is stretched out to redeem, humble the proud, and secure an everlasting people for His glory. Forms and Transliterations βραχιονά βραχίονα βραχίονά βραχίονας βραχίονάς βραχίονες βραχιονι βραχίονι βραχίονί βραχιονος βραχίονος βραχίονός βραχιόνων βραχίοσιν βραχιων βραχίων brachion brachiōn brachíon brachíōn brachioni brachíoni brachionos brachíonosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 1:51 N-DMSGRK: κράτος ἐν βραχίονι αὐτοῦ διεσκόρπισεν NAS: mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered KJV: his arm; he hath scattered INT: strength with the arm of him he has scattered John 12:38 N-NMS Acts 13:17 N-GMS Strong's Greek 1023 |
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