ἰσχυρός (ischuros)
ischuros
strong
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 27 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective ischuros describes someone or something that is strong, mighty, or powerful. It applies to physical strength, as when Jesus speaks of a strong man guarding his house in Matthew 12:29, and to spiritual resilience, such as the believers who "fought valiantly" in Hebrews 11:34. The word captures a robust capacity that can withstand pressure or exert force.
A key distinction appears in how translators handle its comparative form. In passages like Mark 1:7 and Luke 3:16, John the Baptist describes himself as not worthy to untie the sandals of one "mightier" than he. Here, ischuros highlights a superior power that surpasses human capability, pointing toward divine authority rather than mere physical fitness.
The term also modifies inanimate objects and abstract concepts, ranging from a violent famine in Luke 15:14 to the loud voice of an angel in Revelation 18:2. Its root relates to strength or power, allowing it to describe everything from sturdy walls to firm promises. This versatility lets Scripture portray God’s might as both a protective shield and an active force in history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
This word describes a strength that goes beyond physical muscle. It covers the power to hold ground against pressure and the ability to overcome obstacles. In your life, this might look like standing firm when circumstances feel overwhelming or recognizing that true power often looks different than human expectations suggest.
Scripture reminds us that God’s ways are not always aligned with our own measures of capability. What seems weak to the world can be stronger than human strength because it comes from Him. This offers a steady hope: you do not need to rely on your own reserves of energy or willpower to face difficult seasons.
Instead, you can rest in the reality that divine strength is available to those who seek Him. Whether you are facing internal doubt or external pressure, this promise invites you to look beyond your own limits and trust in a power that does not fail.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 27 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strong3×
- mighty3×
- stronger2×
- strong,2×
- strong man2×
- strong [man]2×
- mightier2×
- a mighty2×
- strong;1×
- strong!1×
- strong [man]?1×
- severe1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰσχυρὸν4×
- ἰσχυρότερός3×
- ἰσχυρὸς3×
- ἰσχυρῶν2×
- ἰσχυρά,2×
- ἰσχυροῦ2×
- ἰσχυροὶ2×
- ἰσχυρᾷ1×
- ἰσχυρᾶς1×
- ἰσχυρότερος1×
- ἰσχυρότερον1×
- ἰσχυρότεροι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 3:11
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.
John the Baptist uses this term to highlight that Jesus possesses a superior authority that surpasses even his own prophetic role.
-
I Corinthians 1:25
because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
This verse contrasts human wisdom with divine power, showing that God’s apparent weakness holds more strength than human capability.
-
Hebrews 6:18
that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.
The word modifies encouragement, indicating a firm and unshakable hope based on God's immutable nature.
-
Revelation of John 18:8
Therefore in one day her plagues will come: death, mourning, and famine; and she will be utterly burned with fire, for the Lord God who has judged her is strong.
It describes the Lord as strong in His role as judge, emphasizing the finality and power of divine justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ischuros mean?
How is ischuros different from other words for strength?
Where does this word appear in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (27 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not…
Matthew 12:29Or how can one enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bind the strong man? Then…
Matthew 14:30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”