Lexical Summary niké: Victory Original Word: νίκη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance victory. Apparently a primary word; conquest (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) the means of success -- victory. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 3529 níkē (a feminine noun) – conquest; a particular expression of victory, resulting from receiving (obeying) the faith Christ imparts (i.e. His inworked persuasion). See 3528 (nikáō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition victory NASB Translation victory (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3529: νίκηνίκη, νίκης, ἡ (from Homer down), victory: 1 John 5:4 (cf. νῖκος). Topical Lexicon The Concept of VictoryScripture consistently presents the triumph of God and His people over sin, Satan, and the hostile world system. The single New Testament occurrence of Strong’s 3529 (1 John 5:4) crystallizes this theme, identifying faith as the instrument through which believers share in Christ’s conquest. Throughout redemptive history, true victory is never self-generated but flows from the Lord’s saving power, reaching its climax in the cross and resurrection. Biblical Occurrence (1 John 5:4) 1 John 5:4 declares, “Everyone born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith.” John’s epistle addresses believers beset by false teaching and moral laxity. By anchoring “victory” in new birth and faith, the apostle assures the church that genuine regeneration results in a persistent overcoming of worldly pressures. The present tense “overcomes” underscores an ongoing lifestyle, not a single event. Old Testament Foreshadowing Victory language pervades the Hebrew Scriptures: • Exodus 15:1–18 portrays Israel’s deliverance at the Red Sea as the Lord’s triumph over Pharaoh. These narratives establish that human weakness is no obstacle to divine conquest; rather, it magnifies the Victor’s glory. Christ’s Definitive Triumph The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the personal embodiment of all previous anticipations: • At the cross He disarmed the rulers and authorities (Colossians 2:15). Thus, Christian victory is first Christological before it is experiential. Believers’ Shared Triumph Because believers are united with Christ, His conquest becomes theirs: • Romans 8:37: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Faith functions as the channel that appropriates and displays this victory in daily life (Galatians 2:20). Eschatological Certainty The final chapters of Revelation depict ultimate victory: • Revelation 17:14: “The Lamb will triumph over them.” What is begun in personal sanctification culminates in cosmic renewal when Christ establishes His eternal kingdom. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman culture “victory” was personified by the goddess Nike, often associated with military success and athletic prowess. The apostolic adoption of the term subverts this pagan context, redirecting glory from human achievement to the crucified and risen Lord. The repurposing emphasizes that Christian triumph is moral and spiritual, not military or political. Ministry and Pastoral Significance 1. Assurance: Teaching on victory grounds believers in the security of salvation amid persecution and doctrinal confusion. Summary Strong’s Greek 3529 encapsulates the heart of biblical soteriology: God secures victory in Christ, and believers share it by faith. From the Exodus to Revelation, the storyline of Scripture celebrates this triumph, assuring the church that the conflict’s outcome is settled and inviting her to live accordingly until faith becomes sight. Forms and Transliterations νικη νίκη νίκην nike nikē níke níkēLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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