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κράτιστος

krátistos

G2903 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root κράτ- to be strong, to possess power

Definition

Superlative form of strong or mighty, indicating one possessing the highest degree of strength, power, or excellence (most mighty, most excellent). In address, used as a formal honorific for high officials or persons of distinguished social standing, conveying highest respect or deference (your excellency, most honorable).

Semantic Range

strongest, most powerful, mightiest; most excellent, most noble, most honorable (as a title or honorific); chief in dignity or authority

Root / Etymology

From the root κράτ- (strength, might, power) with the superlative suffix -ιστος, forming a superlative adjective. Derives from κράτος (strength, power, dominion).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, κράτιστος was used as the superlative of 'strong' or 'powerful,' referring broadly to the greatest in strength, power, or ability. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it developed into an honorific form, especially in formal address to governors and other high officials, as seen in New Testament usages for Roman governors like Felix and Festus (cf. Acts 23:26, 24:3, 26:25). In these settings, κράτιστος was a conventional title of respect equivalent to 'most excellent' or 'your Excellency,' not necessarily a comment on personal strength or moral character. In the Septuagint and non-biblical Koine literature, its function as a polite or official form of address becomes prominent. English translations typically render it as 'most excellent,' but this convention can obscure its function as a social or political honorific in official correspondence and speech.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

superlative of a derivative of κράτος; strongest, i.e. (in dignity) very honorable:--most excellent (noble).

Root Family

κράτιστος (kratistos) — strongest, mightiest, most powerful, most excellent, most honorable

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2903-01 κράτιστε kratiste ADJ.A VOC M SG SUPL most excellent Most Mighty One 3
G2903-02 κρατίστῳ kratisto ADJ.A DAT M SG SUPL most excellent to the most mighty one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2903-01 Luke 1:3 κράτιστε kratiste ADJ.A VOC M SG SUPL most excellent Most Mighty One
G2903-02 Acts 23:26 κρατίστῳ kratisto ADJ.A DAT M SG SUPL most excellent to the most mighty one
G2903-01 Acts 24:3 κράτιστε kratiste ADJ.A VOC M SG SUPL most excellent Most Mighty One
G2903-01 Acts 26:25 κράτιστε kratiste ADJ.A VOC M SG SUPL most excellent Most Mighty One
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