δυναμόω
dynamóō
G1412 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make strong, to strengthen; in various contexts, to enable, empower, or impart ability or inner strength. Primary sense is to provide or increase strength, either physically, morally, or spiritually. Also appears in the sense of being restored to strength or vigor.
Semantic Range
to make strong, to strengthen, to empower, to enable, to be restored to strength, to increase capability or efficiency
Root / Etymology
From the Greek noun δύναμις (power, ability, might) with the verbal suffix -όω indicating causation or impartation. Thus, δυναμόω means 'to cause to have strength or power.' No evidence suggests derivation from a non-Greek source.
Historical & Contextual Notes
δυναμόω is predominantly used in Hellenistic and later Greek, relatively rare in secular literature but found in Jewish and early Christian writings. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the verb typically refers to the empowering or strengthening of individuals in both physical and non-physical senses, such as courage, faith, or endurance. Unlike the more physical ἰσχύω (to be strong, to have force), δυναμόω emphasizes imparted strength, especially in inner or spiritual terms. In Pauline texts (e.g., Ephesians 6:10), it frequently connotes being strengthened by a source of power beyond oneself, sometimes specified as 'in the Lord' or by divine agency. Standard English translations usually render it 'to strengthen' or 'to empower,' but these do not fully capture the verb's nuance of being made capable or effective (enabled) in a given task or context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δύναμις; to enable:--strengthen.
Root Family
δυναμόω (dynamóō) — make strong, strengthen, empower, enable
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1412-02 |
ἐδυναμώθησαν | edunamothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
were made strong | they were strengthened | they were strengthened | 1 |
G1412-01 |
δυναμούμενοι | dunamoumenoi | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being strengthened | being empowered | being empowered | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1412-01 |
Colossians 1:11 | δυναμούμενοι | dunamoumenoi | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being strengthened | being empowered | being empowered |
G1412-02 |
Hebrews 11:34 | ἐδυναμώθησαν | edunamothesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
were made strong | they were strengthened | they were strengthened |