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παντοκράτωρ

pantokrátōr

G3841 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

One who holds all power; universally sovereign. In Hellenistic Greek sources, παντοκράτωρ primarily denotes one who exercises total authority, power, or sovereignty—usually in a cosmic, royal, or divine sphere. In biblical contexts, often designates a supreme deity (especially in the Septuagint and New Testament), reflecting the idea of unlimited dominion or might. The term expresses both the scope (all-encompassing) and the nature (active, sovereign control) of the power held.

Semantic Range

all-powerful, ruler of all (universe), sovereign over all, universal ruler, one who holds all might or dominion, supreme ruler, (in biblical context) title for supreme deity

Root / Etymology

Compound formed from πᾶς ('all, every') and κράτος ('strength, power, dominion'). The sense is 'having all power,' 'the one who rules everything.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Classically rare, παντοκράτωρ becomes a significant designation for deity in the Septuagint, regularly rendering the Hebrew title יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת (YHWH of Armies/LORD of Hosts) and related expressions. Its use highlights the concept of comprehensive authority and sovereign rulership—in the OT context often stressing divinity's rule over worldly and cosmic powers, not merely local or national. In the New Testament (notably in Revelation), παντοκράτωρ epitomizes the absolute power of God, distinguishing this from more specific titles that might emphasize creative, sustaining, or kingly functions. In non-biblical Koine and Hellenistic texts, the word is rare but could be applied to supreme rulers or deities, underscoring universal authority. Despite English tradition rendering the word as 'Almighty' or 'Omnipotent,' παντοκράτωρ more directly conveys the idea of total effective rule and sovereign authority, not only unlimited potential power.

Translation Consistency

primary "Almighty" 10 occurrences

Pantokrátōr in biblical usage most often functions as a title denoting divine omnipotence. "Almighty" is the natural, widely used English equivalent (as in "the Almighty") that conveys all-encompassing power and fits the traditional biblical register better than alternatives like "sovereign" or the hyphenated "all-powerful." It is concise, familiar to English readers, and captures the primary sense across contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from πᾶς and κράτος; the all-ruling, i.e. God (as absolute and universal sovereign):--Almighty, Omnipotent.

Root Family

παντοκράτωρ (pantokratōr) — to have power, to rule, all-encompassing strength, universal sovereignty

Root παντοκρατ- to have power, to rule, all-encompassing strength

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3841-01 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N NOM M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty 8
G3841-02 Παντοκράτορος pantokratoros N GEN M SG Almighty of the Universal Sovereign of the Almighty 2

Occurrences in Scripture

10 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3841-01 2 Corinthians 6:18 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N NOM M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
G3841-01 Revelation 1:8 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N NOM M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
G3841-01 Revelation 4:8 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N NOM M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
G3841-01 Revelation 11:17 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N VOC M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
G3841-01 Revelation 15:3 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N VOC M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
G3841-01 Revelation 16:7 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N VOC M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
G3841-02 Revelation 16:14 Παντοκράτορος pantokratoros N GEN M SG Almighty of the Universal Sovereign of the Almighty
G3841-01 Revelation 19:6 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N NOM M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
G3841-02 Revelation 19:15 Παντοκράτορος pantokratoros N GEN M SG Almighty of the Universal Sovereign of the Almighty
G3841-01 Revelation 21:22 Παντοκράτωρ pantokrator N NOM M SG Almighty Universal Sovereign the Almighty
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