Lexical Summary sthenoó: To strengthen, to make strong Original Word: σθενόω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance strengthen. From sthenos (bodily vigor; probably akin to the base of histemi); to strengthen, i.e. (figuratively) confirm (in spiritual knowledge and power) -- strengthen. see GREEK histemi HELPS Word-studies 4599 sthenóō(from sthenos, "strength") – properly, make strong so as to be mobile – i.e. able to move in a way that achieves something in the most effective way. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom sthenos (strength) Definition to strengthen NASB Translation strengthen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4599: σθενόωσθενόω, σθένω: (σθένος (allied with στῆναι, hence, properly, steadfastness; Curtius, p. 503f) strength), to make strong, to strengthen: τινα, one's soul, 1 Peter 5:10, where for 1 aorist optative active 3 person singular σθενώσαι, we must read the future σθενώσει, with G L T Tr WH. (passive in Rhet. Gr. edition Walz, vol. i. c. 15.) Topical Lexicon Scriptural Usage The verb occurs once in the Greek New Testament, at the climax of 1 Peter 5:10, where Peter promises that God “will Himself restore you, confirm you, strengthen you, and establish you” (Berean Standard Bible). Within this four-fold assurance, the term depicts a divine impartation of inner vigor that equips believers to endure suffering and to stand firm in grace. Context in 1 Peter 5:10 1 Peter addresses Christians scattered throughout Asia Minor who face social ostracism and persecution. Peter traces their trials to the cosmic conflict with the devil (1 Peter 5:8–9) but immediately counters with God’s personal commitment to strengthen His people. The aorist future “will strengthen” belongs to a chain of promises that progressively move from repair (“restore”) to stabilizing (“confirm”), energizing (“strengthen”), and finally securing them on an unshakable foundation (“establish”). Thus the verb functions as the pivotal link between divine restoration after suffering and the enduring steadfastness required until final glory. Theological Significance 1. Divine Agency: The middle voice underscores that God is both the source and the guarantor of the strengthening. Human effort is real (1 Peter 5:6, “humble yourselves”), yet it operates under—and because of—God’s energizing grace. Historical Background Asia Minor’s believers were marginalized minorities in a pluralistic Greco-Roman setting. Social exclusion threatened economic stability and personal honor. In such an environment the promise of divine strengthening was more than psychological encouragement; it was spiritual resilience enabling faithfulness when societal structures turned hostile. Connections with Old Testament Themes The Old Testament repeatedly portrays God as One who girds His servants with strength (Psalm 18:32; Isaiah 40:29–31). Peter’s promise echoes Isaiah 41:10, “I will strengthen you,” now fulfilled in Christ’s resurrected people. The continuity underscores the faithfulness of God’s covenant character. Christological Dimension Jesus Christ embodies perfect reliance on the Father’s strength (Luke 22:43). By union with Him, believers receive the same empowering life. The verb’s future tense anticipates ongoing participation in resurrection power (Philippians 3:10), mediated by the exalted Christ through the Spirit (Ephesians 3:16). Pastoral Application • Sustaining Grace: Church leaders can assure congregations that weakness is not disqualifying; God pledges strength precisely in the face of insufficiency. Corporate and Individual Dynamics The promise addresses the community (“you” plural) yet applies to each member. Corporate worship, shared burdens, and communal testimony serve as primary contexts where God’s strengthening is experienced and recognized. Related New Testament Vocabulary While this specific verb appears only once, the strengthening motif saturates the New Testament: Together these passages reinforce that divine empowerment is integral to Christian perseverance and mission. Patristic Reception Early church fathers, such as Ignatius and Polycarp, cited 1 Peter 5:10 to encourage martyrs. Athanasius linked the promise to the Spirit’s indwelling power that emboldened believers against Arian persecution. Throughout the centuries the verse served liturgically as a benediction, entrusting congregations to God’s ongoing strengthening work. Eschatological Hope The promise culminates in “eternal glory.” Present strengthening is provisional, aimed at ushering believers safely to the consummation where perfect, unassailable strength will characterize resurrection life (Revelation 21:7). Summary Strong’s Greek 4599 highlights God’s active role in fortifying His people amid trial. Rooted in grace, focused on glory, and realized through Christ and the Spirit, the promise assures the church that every suffering saint will be equipped with divine strength sufficient for faithful endurance and ultimate victory. Forms and Transliterations σθενώσαι σθενωσει σθενώσει σιαγόνια sthenosei sthenōsei sthenṓseiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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