στηρίζω
stērízō
G4741 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make firm or stable, to set firmly in place; to strengthen in position or resolve. Primary sense involves establishing something so it is fixed, secure, or unshakable, whether physically (setting up, supporting, strengthening a structure or object) or figuratively (confirming, reinforcing, fortifying a person's inner resolve or commitment, stabilizing a group or community). Secondary senses include providing support, confirming, or making steadfast beliefs, decisions, or affiliations.
Semantic Range
to set firmly, to fix, to secure, to establish, to strengthen, to support (physically or morally), to confirm, to fortify (inner resolve or group cohesion), to render steadfast
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Greek root στηρ- (stēr-), related to στερεός (stereos, 'firm, solid') and linked to ἵστημι (histēmi, 'to stand, set up'). The word is formed by adding the causative verb ending -ίζω (-izō) to the base root, indicating 'to make firm' or 'to establish.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, στηρίζω primarily referred to physically propping up, supporting, or setting up something to make it stand securely (e.g., a structure, a column). The literal sense of giving physical support or making something firm is attested from the 5th century BCE. During the Hellenistic and Koine periods, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, the figurative sense became more prominent—referring to establishing or strengthening in terms of character, decisions, or communal faith. In the New Testament, στηρίζω is frequently used to describe strengthening or establishing individuals or groups in steadfastness, faith, or resolve. Standard English translations often use 'strengthen,' 'establish,' or 'make firm,' but these can flatten the nuance between physical and inner stability. The verb is also used in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew verbs denoting support or confirmation (e.g., כוּן kūn, 'to be firm, establish') and often carries the sense of giving stability, whether moral, physical, or relational. It contrasts with words like σαλεύω ('to shake, cause to waver'), emphasizing firmness or resoluteness, and complements related concept words like βεβαιόω ('to confirm, guarantee') and στερεόω ('to make solid').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a presumed derivative of ἵστημι (like στερεός); to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm:--fix, (e-)stablish, stedfastly set, strengthen.
Root Family
στηρίζω (stērizō) — to make firm, to establish, to strengthen, to confirm
Word Forms
9 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4741-06 |
στηρίξαι | sterixai | V AOR ACT INF |
to establish | to make firm | 4 |
G4741-05 |
στήρισον | sterison | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
strengthen | Make firm | 2 |
G4741-08 |
στηρίξει | sterixei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
establish | he/she/it will make firm | 2 |
G4741-02 |
ἐστήρικται | esteriktai | V PRF PASS IND 3P SG |
has been fixed | has been made firm | 1 |
G4741-01 |
ἐστηριγμένους | esterigmenous | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M PL |
be established | having been firmly established | 1 |
G4741-04 |
στηριχθῆναι | sterichthenai | V AOR PASS INF |
to be made firm | 1 | |
G4741-09 |
στηρίζων | sterizon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
strengthening | making firm | 1 |
G4741-07 |
στηρίξατε | sterixate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
strengthen | Make firm | 1 |
G4741-03 |
ἐστήρισεν | esterisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
set | he made firm | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
14 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4741-03 |
Luke 9:51 | ἐστήρισεν | esterisen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
set | he made firm |
G4741-02 |
Luke 16:26 | ἐστήρικται | esteriktai | V PRF PASS IND 3P SG |
has been fixed | has been made firm |
G4741-05 |
Luke 22:32 | στήρισον | sterison | V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG |
strengthen | Make firm |
G4741-09 |
Acts 18:23 | στηρίζων | sterizon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM M SG |
strengthening | making firm |
G4741-04 |
Romans 1:11 | στηριχθῆναι | sterichthenai | V AOR PASS INF |
to be made firm | |
G4741-06 |
Romans 16:25 | στηρίξαι | sterixai | V AOR ACT INF |
to establish | to make firm |
G4741-06 |
1 Thessalonians 3:2 | στηρίξαι | sterixai | V AOR ACT INF |
to strengthen | to make firm |
G4741-06 |
1 Thessalonians 3:13 | στηρίξαι | sterixai | V AOR ACT INF |
to establish | to make firm |
G4741-06 |
2 Thessalonians 2:17 | στηρίξαι | sterixai | V AOR ACT OPT 3P SG |
establish | to make firm |
G4741-08 |
2 Thessalonians 3:3 | στηρίξει | sterixei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
will strengthen | he/she/it will make firm |