κραταιόω
krataióō
G2901 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make strong, to strengthen (physically, morally, or spiritually); to become strong or grow in strength (in passive forms). In various contexts, used for empowering or rendering someone/something firm, resilient, or steadfast, whether in physical power, inner resolve, or position.
Semantic Range
to make strong, to strengthen, to become strong, to be empowered, to increase in vigor or steadfastness, to be or become firm or resilient
Root / Etymology
From the adjective κραταιός (krataios, 'mighty', 'strong', 'powerful'); formed with the verbal ending -όω signifying action related to causing, making, or becoming strong.
Historical & Contextual Notes
κραταιόω is attested in post-classical (LXX, NT, patristic) Greek, rare in classical usage. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew חָזַק (ḥāzaq, 'to be strong, strengthen'), especially in contexts of physical or spiritual empowerment (e.g., Exod 14:4). In the New Testament, usage is primarily metaphorical, referring to spiritual or moral strengthening (e.g., Eph 3:16). Standard English translations (e.g., 'strengthen', 'become strong') capture the general sense, but the term may also imply the process of becoming resilient, firm against adversity, or established in purpose. Contrasts with ἐνδυναμόω, a more common New Testament term for 'to empower' or 'make able'; κραταιόω has a more emphatic sense of making powerful or mighty. The agent of strengthening is often God or the Spirit, framing the process as divine empowerment rather than mere human effort. The semantic range in Koine is closely related to that of its cognate adjective κραταιός and is often used in parallel with terms for firmness, steadfastness (cf. βεβαιόω).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κραταιός; to empower, i.e. (passively) increase in vigor:--be strengthened, be (wax) strong.
Root Family
κραταιόω (krataioō) — to be strong, to make strong, to strengthen
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2901-01 |
ἐκραταιοῦτο | ekrataiouto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG |
became strong | was being strengthened | was being strengthened | 2 |
G2901-02 |
κραταιωθῆναι | krataiothenai | V AOR PASS INF |
to be strengthened | to be made strong | to be made strong | 1 |
G2901-03 |
κραταιοῦσθε | krataiousthe | V PRS PASS IMP 2P PL |
be strong | be strengthened | be strengthened | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2901-01 |
Luke 1:80 | ἐκραταιοῦτο | ekrataiouto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG |
became strong | was being strengthened | was being strengthened |
G2901-01 |
Luke 2:40 | ἐκραταιοῦτο | ekrataiouto | V IMPF PASS IND 3P SG |
became strong | was being strengthened | was being strengthened |
G2901-03 |
1 Corinthians 16:13 | κραταιοῦσθε | krataiousthe | V PRS PASS IMP 2P PL |
be strong | be strengthened | be strengthened |
G2901-02 |
Ephesians 3:16 | κραταιωθῆναι | krataiothenai | V AOR PASS INF |
to be strengthened | to be made strong | to be made strong |