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ἰσχύς

ischýs

G2479 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Fundamental sense: strength, power, capacity to act or endure. Refers primarily to physical strength, but also denotes mental, moral, or collective force/capability depending on the context. In various texts, it can describe: (1) bodily or muscular power; (2) general ability or capacity; (3) inner moral strength or resolve; (4) collective power as of a group, nation, or divinity.

Semantic Range

physical strength, bodily might, exerted ability, capacity, mental or moral strength, collective or national might, inherent power

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ἰσχ- (isch-), associated with strength or ability. Related to the verb ἰσχύω (ischyō, 'to be strong, able' or 'to have strength'). The precise Indo-European origin is uncertain, but the form is consistent with Greek nominal building from verbal stems.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἰσχύς typically denotes physical or bodily strength, prowess, or capacity for action, especially in athletic, military, or heroic settings. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, its range expands: it may refer to general ability or effectiveness, not just physical power, and is sometimes used metaphorically for spiritual, moral, or group strength. In the Septuagint, ἰσχύς frequently translates Hebrew terms like כֹּחַ (koach) or עֹז (oz), emphasizing the might of individuals, armies, or God. In New Testament usage, ἰσχύς is often paired with similar terms (e.g., δύναμις, κράτος) to express different nuances of power: ἰσχύς usually retains the nuance of inherent or exerted strength, rather than authority or miraculous power. English translations (e.g., 'strength,' 'might' or 'power') sometimes flatten the differences among Greek power terms; 'strength' is usually the closest rendering. Unlike δύναμις ('capability, power'), which often refers to potential or miraculous power, ἰσχύς focuses on actualized or inherent strength. Often appears in lists enumerating faculties (cf. Mark 12:30, 'with all your strength').

Translation Consistency

primary "strength" 10 occurrences

ἰσχύς most commonly and naturally denotes 'strength' — physical, moral, or collective capacity. 'Strength' matches the primary SILEX sense and typical English usage better than alternatives like 'power' (which can imply political/magical force). Using 'strength' ensures consistent, natural rendering across all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of (force; compare , a form of ἔχω); forcefulness (literally or figuratively):--ability, might(-ily), power, strength.

Root Family

ἰσχύς (ischys) — strength, power, capacity, might

Root ἰσχ- to be strong, to have strength, to be able

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2479-03 ἰσχύος ischuos N GEN F SG strength of strength strength 6
G2479-01 ἰσχύϊ ischui N DAT F SG your strength with strength with strength 2
G2479-04 ἰσχὺς ischus N NOM F SG strength strength strength 1
G2479-02 ἰσχὺν ischun N ACC F SG strength strength strength 1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2479-03 Mark 12:30 ἰσχύος ischuos N GEN F SG strength of strength strength
G2479-03 Mark 12:33 ἰσχύος ischuos N GEN F SG strength of strength strength
G2479-01 Luke 10:27 ἰσχύϊ ischui N DAT F SG your strength with strength with strength
G2479-03 Ephesians 1:19 ἰσχύος ischuos N GEN F SG strength of strength strength
G2479-03 Ephesians 6:10 ἰσχύος ischuos N GEN F SG might of strength strength
G2479-03 2 Thessalonians 1:9 ἰσχύος ischuos N GEN F SG power of strength strength
G2479-03 1 Peter 4:11 ἰσχύος ischuos N GEN F SG strength of strength strength
G2479-01 2 Peter 2:11 ἰσχύϊ ischui N DAT F SG might with strength with strength
G2479-02 Revelation 5:12 ἰσχὺν ischun N ACC F SG strength strength strength
G2479-04 Revelation 7:12 ἰσχὺς ischus N NOM F SG strength strength strength
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