ἐνδυναμόω (endunamoō)
endunamoō
to strengthen
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb endunamō describes a process of being made strong or receiving power from an external source. Its structure combines a preposition meaning "in" with a root meaning "power," suggesting that strength is imparted rather than generated internally. In the New Testament, this word appears seven times, often highlighting how believers rely on divine energy for endurance.
It is used in contexts of spiritual resilience, such as when Paul writes about being strengthened to endure hardship (Philippians 4:13) or when he recounts how the Lord enabled him to proclaim the message fully (2 Timothy 4:17). The passive form appears in Acts 9:22, where Saul was strengthened after his conversion, indicating a transformation that came from outside himself.
Translators typically render this word as "strengthen" or "be strengthened," capturing the idea of empowerment for a specific task. Unlike words for natural ability, endunamō points to a supernatural infusion of capability, allowing ordinary people to accomplish what would otherwise be beyond their reach.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels too heavy to carry on, this word reminds us that strength is not something we manufacture on our own. It is a gift given from outside ourselves, flowing from God into our weary moments. The Greek verb here combines the idea of 'power' with the sense of being filled or equipped, suggesting that divine energy sustains us when our own reserves run dry.
In Philippians 4:13, Paul writes that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him. This is not a promise that every task will be easy, but that you will not face it alone. Whether you are enduring hardship or stepping into a new role, the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to support your steps.
Consider how Saul was strengthened after his conversion in Acts 9:22. He did not rely on his previous status but received new capability from God. This word invites you to rest in that same reality: your strength comes from Him, so you do not need to strive for it in anxiety. You are held by a power greater than your circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- was strengthened1×
- was empowered1×
- strengthening1×
- having strengthened1×
- do be strong1×
- do be empowered1×
- He strengthened1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνεδυνάμωσέν1×
- ἐνεδυναμώθη1×
- ἐνεδυναμοῦτο1×
- ἐνδυναμώσαντί1×
- ἐνδυναμοῦσθε1×
- ἐνδυναμοῦντί1×
- ἐνδυναμοῦ1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
This verse explicitly links the ability to endure all situations directly to Christ's active role in strengthening the believer.
-
Acts 9:22
But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
It shows how divine strengthening enabled Saul to confidently refute opponents after his dramatic conversion experience.
-
II Timothy 4:17
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear. So I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Paul describes the Lord standing by him and strengthening him specifically so the message could be fully proclaimed to Gentiles.