νίκη
níkē
G3529 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Victory, the state or condition of triumphing over an adversary; by extension, the successful outcome of a conflict or contest. In figurative contexts, may refer to achieving spiritual or moral success or prevailing in struggle.
Semantic Range
victory (abstract), conquest, state of having overcome in contest, successful outcome, spiritual triumph, personification as the goddess Nike
Root / Etymology
From the root νικ-, related to concepts of winning or overcoming; the word does not appear to be derived from another Greek noun, but is rather a primary formation denoting victory or conquest.
Historical & Contextual Notes
νίκη is attested from Homeric (8th century BCE) Greek onward, frequently used in classical literature to signify a definitive victory in war, games, or other contests. It personifies the goddess Victory (Nike) in Greek religion, often depicted as a winged figure accompanying deities such as Zeus and Athena—this personification is distinct from the abstract noun but related in conceptual background. In the Hellenistic period, νίκη continues to denote victory in both literal and metaphorical senses. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the usage becomes more figurative, with victory understood not only in military or contest terms, but also in reference to spiritual triumph or overcoming evil, sin, or death. English Bible translations often use 'victory,' but this can obscure the breadth of the term, especially its mythological and cultural resonance in Greek and Roman contexts. Distinct from κράτος (power, might) or νέκος (slaughter, defeat). Not to be confused with terms for 'win' (νικάω) or 'triumph' (θριαμβεύω).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary word; conquest (abstractly), i.e. (figuratively) the means of success:--victory.
Root Family
νικ- (Nikánōr) — to conquer, to be victorious
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3529-01 |
νίκη | nike | N NOM F SG |
victory | victory | victory | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3529-01 |
1 John 5:4 | νίκη | nike | N NOM F SG |
victory | victory | victory |