Lexical Summary krataios: Strong, mighty, powerful Original Word: κραταιός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance mighty. From kratos; powerful -- mighty. see GREEK kratos HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 2900 krataiós (from 2904 /krátos) – dominating (manifested) power, referring to God's supreme mastery (unrivaled dominion). 2900 (krataiós) is only used in 1 Pet 5:6. See 2904 (kratos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kratos Definition strong NASB Translation mighty (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2900: κραταιόςκραταιός, κραταιᾷ, κραταιόν (κράτος), the Sept. mostly for חָזָק, mighty: ἡ κραταιός χείρ τοῦ Θεοῦ, i. e. the power of God, 1 Peter 5:6; τοῦ κυρίου, Baruch 2:11; 1 Esdr. 8:46 (47), 60 (61), and often in the Sept. (In earlier Greek only poetic (Homer, others) for the more common κρατερός; but later, used in prose also (Plutarch, others).) Topical Lexicon Overview of the Term Strong’s Greek 2900 designates exceptional strength or might. In Scripture it is reserved for power that is unquestionably effective and decisive, typically associated with the sovereign activity of God Himself. Biblical Usage The New Testament employs the word a single time: “Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you” (1 Peter 5:6). In this pastoral exhortation the term underscores a hand that is not only powerful but actively engaged on behalf of believers who suffer for righteousness’ sake. Old Testament Background Peter’s phrase echoes a rich Old Testament pattern in which deliverance is credited to “the mighty hand” of the Lord. The Greek translators of the Hebrew Scriptures repeatedly chose this adjective when depicting: Through these texts a standard biblical idiom emerged: God’s “mighty hand” rescues, disciplines, and vindicates His covenant people. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty: The adjective reminds believers that God’s authority is omnipotent and cannot be frustrated (Job 42:2; Isaiah 14:27). Christological Implications The resurrection is the ultimate display of the Lord’s mighty hand (Acts 2:24; Ephesians 1:19-20). By alluding to this power, Peter directs persecuted believers to Christ’s path—suffering first, glory later (1 Peter 1:11; 5:10). Historical Usage in the Early Church Early Christian writers eagerly adopted the term. Clement of Rome speaks of God’s “mighty hand” sustaining creation, while the Didache invokes it in baptismal liturgy. Such usage reflected a church that viewed God’s power as both cosmic and intensely personal. Pastoral Application 1. Shepherd Leadership: In the immediate context elders are urged to serve willingly, “not lording it over those entrusted to you” (1 Peter 5:3). Awareness of the mighty hand curbs authoritarian tendencies and fosters servant-leadership. Doctrinal Significance The word supplies exegetical ballast for doctrines of omnipotence, providence, and preservation. It reassures that the church’s security rests not on human ability but on the unwavering strength of the Creator (John 10:28-29; Jude 24-25). Practical Ministry Insights • Encourage congregations to memorize 1 Peter 5:6-7 as a unified promise. Conclusion Though appearing only once in the Greek New Testament, Strong’s 2900 distills a major biblical conviction: the same powerful hand that formed the universe and redeemed Israel now upholds every believer. Recognizing this truth nurtures humble dependence and steadfast courage until the day He exalts His people in glory. Forms and Transliterations κραταιά κραταιαν κραταιάν κραταιὰν κραταιάς κραταιοί κραταιόν κραταιός κραταίος κραταιότερον κραταιότητι κραταιού κραταιούς κραταιώ κραταιών krataian krataiànLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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