ἰσχυρός
ischyrós
G2478 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having physical strength, power, or force; possessing the capacity to act with might or vigor. In various contexts, denotes someone or something that is strong, powerful, robust, mighty, or capable, whether in physical, moral, social, or even figurative senses. May also refer to something possessing great intensity, forcefulness, or effectiveness.
Semantic Range
strong (physically or in character), powerful, mighty, robust, capable, forceful, prevalent, intense
Root / Etymology
From the noun ἰσχύς ('strength, power, force') + adjectival suffix -ρός. Related to the verb ἰσχύω ('to be strong, to be able, to prevail'). The root is ἰσχύ-; Indo-European connections are possible but tenuous; etymology in pre-Greek remains uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἰσχυρός is attested from the 5th century BCE and is primarily used to describe individuals or objects possessing notable strength or power, including warriors, animals, weapons, or even abstract concepts (such as laws or influences). In the Septuagint, it is regularly employed to translate Hebrew terms like חָזָק (ḥāzāq, 'strong') and גִּבּוֹר (gibbōr, 'mighty, valiant'), signifying both physical might and courageous bearing. In the New Testament, ἰσχυρός is used for people, angels, and forces (e.g., "strong man," "strong angel," "mighty wind"), as well as metaphorically for things of great strength or authority (e.g., Luke 11:21, Revelation 5:2). The term's semantic range can also touch on moral strength or influence. English translations such as 'strong,' 'mighty,' or 'powerful' capture the central sense but do not always reflect the fullness of its application in ancient sources, where the word could encompass literal, figurative, and even hyperbolic uses. Unlike some other Greek adjectives for strength (such as δυνάμενος, 'capable, able'), ἰσχυρός emphasizes inherent might or force rather than potential or permission.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἰσχύς; forcible (literally or figuratively):--boisterous, mighty(-ier), powerful, strong(-er, man), valiant.
Root Family
ἰσχυρός (ischyros) — strong, powerful, mighty, robust, forceful
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G24785 | the stronger ones |
Word Forms
8 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2478-06 |
ἰσχυρόν | ischuron | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
mighty | strong one | 7 |
G2478-05 |
ἰσχυροί | ischuroi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
strong | strong ones | 4 |
G2478-01 |
ἰσχυρὰ | ischura | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
mighty | strong | 4 |
G2478-07 |
ἰσχυρὸς | ischuros | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
mighty | strong one | 3 |
G2478-08 |
ἰσχυροῦ | ischurou | ADJ.S GEN M SG |
strong | of a strong one | 2 |
G2478-04 |
ἰσχυρᾶς | ischuras | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
of a strong one | 1 | |
G2478-02 |
ἰσχυραί | ischurai | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
strong ones | 1 | |
G2478-03 |
ἰσχυρὰν | ischuran | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
strong | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
23 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2478-08 |
Matthew 12:29 | ἰσχυροῦ | ischurou | ADJ.S GEN M SG |
of a strong one | |
G2478-06 |
Matthew 12:29 | ἰσχυρόν | ischuron | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
strong one | |
G2478-06 |
Matthew 14:30 | ἰσχυρὸν | ischuron | ADJ.P ACC M SG |
strong one | |
G2478-08 |
Mark 3:27 | ἰσχυροῦ | ischurou | ADJ.S GEN M SG |
strong | of a strong one |
G2478-06 |
Mark 3:27 | ἰσχυρὸν | ischuron | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
strong | strong one |
G2478-07 |
Luke 11:21 | ἰσχυρὸς | ischuros | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
strong man | strong one |
G2478-01 |
Luke 15:14 | ἰσχυρὰ | ischura | ADJ.A NOM F SG |
severe | strong |
G2478-01 |
1 Corinthians 1:27 | ἰσχυρά | ischura | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
strong things | strong |
G2478-05 |
1 Corinthians 4:10 | ἰσχυροί | ischuroi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
strong | strong ones |
G2478-02 |
2 Corinthians 10:10 | ἰσχυραί | ischurai | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
strong ones |