# G2479 --- ## Gary's Lexicon ### Definition - strength - power - might ### Part of Speech - noun ### Word Studies - [[Strength_G2479_Study]] --- ## Strong's Lexicon ### Root Transliteration (Phonetic Spelling) - ischus (is-khoos') ### Part of Speech - Noun ### Definition - Strength, might, power ### Meaning - strength (absolutely), power, might, force, ability ### Usage - The Greek word "ischus" refers to physical strength, power, or might. It is often used in the New Testament to describe the strength of God, the power of His might, or the strength that believers are encouraged to have in their spiritual lives. It emphasizes the ability to exert force or influence, often in a spiritual or moral context. ### Cultural and Historical Background - In the Greco-Roman world, physical strength and power were highly valued, often associated with heroes and gods in mythology. The New Testament writers, however, often reframe these concepts to emphasize spiritual strength and the power of God working through believers. The use of "ischus" in the New Testament reflects a shift from a purely physical understanding of strength to a more comprehensive view that includes moral and spiritual dimensions. ### Word Origin - Derived from a root word meaning "to have" or "to hold." ### Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Words - [[H1369]] (geburah): Meaning "might" or "strength," used in contexts of valor or heroic strength. - [[H3581]] (koach): Often translated as "strength" or "power," similar in meaning to "ischus." - Compare with [[G2904]] --- ## NASB Concordance ### Definition - strength, might ### Word Origin - of uncertain origin ### NASB Translation - might (5) - strength (4) - power (1) --- ## Helps Word Studies - [[G2479]] _isx_ýs (from the Greek root _is_, "force" and [[G2192]] exō_, "have") – properly, force to overcoming _immediate resistance_. --- ## Links, Etc ### Occurrences - 10 ### Occurrences Link - https://biblehub.com/greek/strongs_2479.htm ### BibleHub Link - https://biblehub.com/greek/2479.htm --- ## Blue Letter Bible ### Outline - ability, force, strength, might ### Blue Letter Bible - Strong's Definition - ἰσχύς ischýs, is-khoos'; from a derivative of ἰς is (force; compare ἔσχον éschon, a form of G2192); forcefulness (literally or figuratively):—ability, might(-ily), power, strength. ### Vines - 1. Ability, Able: - 1.1. connected with ischo and echo, "to have, to hold" (from the root ech--, signifying "holding"), denotes "ability, force, strength;" "ability" in 1Pe 4:11, AV (RV, "strength"). In Eph 1:19 and Eph 6:10, it is said of the strength of God bestowed upon believers, the phrase "the power of His might" indicating strength afforded by power. In 2Th 1:9, "the glory of His might" signifies the visible expression of the inherent personal power of the Lord Jesus. It is said of angels in 2Pe 2:11 (cp., Rev 18:2, AV, "mightily"). It is ascribed to God in Rev 5:12; 7:12. In Mar 12:30,33; Luk 10:27 it describes the full extent of the power wherewith we are to love God. - 1.2. See MIGHT, POWER, STRENGTH - 2. Might (Noun), Mighty, Mightily, Mightier - 2.1. denotes "might, strength, power," - 2.1.1. (a) inherent and in action as used of God, Eph 1:19, RV, "(the strength, kratos, of His) might" AV, "(His mighty) power," i.e., power (over external things) exercised by strength; Eph 6:10, "of His might;" 2Th 1:9, RV, "(from the glory) of His might" (AV "power"); Rev 5:12, RV, "might" (AV, "strength"); Rev 7:12, "might;" - 2.1.2. (b) as an endowment, said: - 2.1.2.1. (1) of angels, 2Pe 2:11; here the order is No. 2 and No. 1, RV, "might and power," which better expresses the distinction than the AV, "power and might;" in some mss. in Rev 18:2 it is said of the voice of an angel [see E, (c)]; the most authentic mss. have the adjective ischuros, "mighty;" - 2.1.2.2. (2) of men, Mar 12:30, 33; Luk 10:27 (RV and AV, "strength," in all three verses); 1Pe 4:11, RV, "strength" (AV, "ability:" this belongs rather to No. 1). Either "strength" or "might" expresses the true significance of ischus. See ABILITY, POWER, STRENGTH. - 2.2. Notes: - 2.2.1. (1) In Luk 9:43, AV, megaleiotes, "greatness, majesty," is translated "mighty power" (RV, "majesty"). - 2.2.2. (2) Cp. kratos (see POWER). --- ## Revision Dates ### Initial - 2021.09.07 ### Revised - 2025.02.16 ---