Lexical Summary ischus: Strength, might, power Original Word: ἰσχύς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ability, might, power, strength. From a derivative of is (force; compare eschon, a form of echo); forcefulness (literally or figuratively) -- ability, might(-ily), power, strength. see GREEK echo HELPS Word-studies 2479 is NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition strength, might NASB Translation might (5), power (1), strength (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2479: ἰσχύςἰσχύς, ἰσχύος, ἡ (ἴσχω (allied with ἔσχον; to hold in check)) (from Hesiod down), the Sept. especially for כֹּחַ, חַיִל, עֹז, גְּבוּרָה; ability, force, strength, might: 2 Peter 2:11 (joined with δύναμις); Revelation 5:12; Revelation 7:12; τό κράτος τῆς ἰσχύος, power (over external things) afforded by strength, Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 6:10 (Isaiah 40:26); ἡ δόξα τῆς ἰσχύος (see δόξα, III. 3 b. α. at the end), 2 Thessalonians 1:9; κράζειν ἐν ἰσχύει, with strength, mightily, Revelation 18:2 Rec.; ἐξ ἰσχύος, of one's strength, to the extent of one's ability, 1 Peter 4:11; with ὅλης added, Mark 12:30, 33; Luke 10:27 (here L text T Tr WH read ἐν ὅλῃ τῇ ἰσχύι). (Synonym: see δύναμις, at the end.) Topical Lexicon Essential Meaning The noun ἰσχύς (ischus) conveys the idea of inherent strength, might, or power resident within a person or being. It is not merely the exercise of power (as with δύναμις) but the capacity or resource that makes such action possible. In Scripture this strength may belong to God, angelic beings, or human beings whose vigor is devoted to God. Old Testament Background The Septuagint regularly employs ἰσχύς to translate Hebrew terms such as ʿoz and koaḥ, describing the strength of warriors (Judges 8:21), the vigor of youth (Psalms 71:9), and, supremely, the might of the LORD (Psalms 29:1). This sets the stage for New Testament writers who assume that ultimate strength is God’s and that human strength is derivative and accountable. The Great Commandment (Luke 10:27; Mark 12:30, 33) In citing Deuteronomy 6:5, Jesus commands love for God “with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Here ἰσχύς represents every physical, mental, financial, and societal resource under one’s control. Devotion to God is not abstract; it is concrete stewardship of personal ability. The scribe in Mark 12:33 recognizes that such wholehearted love “is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices,” affirming that true strength finds its purpose in worshipful obedience. Angelic and Demonic Realms (2 Peter 2:11) “Yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful…” (2 Peter 2:11). Peter juxtaposes angelic ἰσχύς with false teachers who “blaspheme glorious beings.” Angels possess far greater innate power than humans, yet they exercise restraint, submitting their strength to God’s order. The verse teaches that raw might divorced from humility is rebellion; true strength serves divine authority. Heavenly Worship (Revelation 5:12; 7:12) “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength…” (Revelation 5:12). The heavenly liturgy ascribes ἰσχύς to the Redeemer, acknowledging that the victorious strength displayed in the Cross now belongs eternally to Jesus Christ. In Revelation 7:12 the same attribute is given to God. The shared possession of ἰσχύς by Father and Son underscores their unity and the Christological affirmation that salvation history climaxes in divine omnipotence revealed through sacrificial love. Pauline Theology of Empowerment (Ephesians 1:19; 6:10; 2 Thessalonians 1:9) Paul prays that believers would know “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe… the might of His strength” (Ephesians 1:19). The resurrection and exaltation of Christ prove that God’s ἰσχύς is operative on behalf of the church. Therefore, “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). Spiritual warfare is waged not in human adequacy but in participation in divine strength. Conversely, those “who do not know God” will suffer “the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:9). Union with Christ turns ἰσχύς into a shelter; estrangement turns it into judgment. Ministerial Service (1 Peter 4:11) “If anyone serves, he should serve with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11). The verse guards against two extremes: self-reliant activism and passive fatalism. God supplies the capacity; believers steward it. The purpose is doxological, not self-exalting—“to Him be the glory and the power forever and ever.” Ministry, therefore, is the arena where divine ἰσχύς meets human availability. Practical Application 1. Worship: Attribute all strength to God, joining heaven’s chorus that crowns the Lamb with ἰσχύς. Summary Ἰσχύς appears ten times in the New Testament to declare that all genuine power originates in God, is revealed in Christ, is bestowed upon believers for obedient service, and will culminate in the final triumph of the Lamb. Human strength finds its highest expression when surrendered to the One who alone is “Mighty to save.” Forms and Transliterations ισχυι ισχύι ισχύϊ ίσχύϊ ἰσχύι ἰσχύϊ ισχύϊι ισχυν ισχύν ἰσχὺν ισχυος ισχύος ἰσχύος ισχυς ισχύς ἰσχὺς ισχύσεσι ισχύων ischui ischun ischuos ischus ischýi ischýï ischyn ischỳn ischyos ischýos ischys ischỳsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 12:30 N-GFSGRK: ὅλης τῆς ἰσχύος σου NAS: AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.' KJV: all thy strength: this [is] the first INT: all the strength of you Mark 12:33 N-GFS Luke 10:27 N-DFS Ephesians 1:19 N-GFS Ephesians 6:10 N-GFS 2 Thessalonians 1:9 N-GFS 1 Peter 4:11 N-GFS 2 Peter 2:11 N-DFS Revelation 5:12 N-AFS Revelation 7:12 N-NFS Strong's Greek 2479 |
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