ἰσχύς (ischus)
ischus
strength
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ischus denotes physical strength, might, or ability. In the New Testament, it appears ten times, often paired with dunamis to emphasize comprehensive power. This pairing highlights both inherent capacity and active force, as seen in 2 Peter 2:11 where angels do not bring slanderous accusations against celestial beings "in a roaring tone" (ischus), but instead use their strength for judgment.
Its usage frequently connects to divine or human effort. Paul urges believers to stand firm in Ephesians 6:10, drawing on the ischus of God’s own might rather than human resources. Similarly, Jesus commands love with all one’s ischus in Mark 12:30, indicating that such devotion requires total personal capacity. The word underscores the source and extent of power available to both the divine and the faithful.
The term derives from a root related to force or vigor. It often translates Hebrew words for strength in the Septuagint, linking New Testament concepts to Old Testament descriptions of God’s power. Translators render it as "strength" or "might," capturing its sense of robust capability. This lexical choice preserves the emphasis on enduring power rather than momentary action.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about strength in Scripture, it is easy to think of our own ability to endure hardship or perform good deeds. The Greek word ischus points us toward a different reality. It describes the inherent capacity and might that comes from God alone. In Ephesians 6:10, Paul does not tell us to find strength within ourselves, but to stand firm in the strength of His might. This shifts our focus from our limited resources to His infinite supply.
This understanding brings great comfort. We do not have to manufacture power for our daily lives. Instead, we are invited to rely on the strength God supplies, as Peter notes in 1 Peter 4:11. Whether we are speaking words of truth or serving others, that capacity is a gift from Him. It allows us to live faithfully without being overwhelmed by the weight of our own efforts.
Jesus calls us to love God with all our ischus in Mark 12:30. This means offering our full measure of ability back to Him. It is a reminder that every ounce of energy we have is meant for His glory. When we feel weak, we can trust that His strength is sufficient for us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- strength7×
- power1×
- might1×
- in strength1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰσχύος6×
- ἰσχύϊ2×
- ἰσχὺς1×
- ἰσχὺν1×
Key Verses
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Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
This verse explicitly directs believers to draw their standing firm from the strength of God's might rather than human effort.
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Mark 12:30
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment.
Jesus includes ischus in the greatest commandment, showing that loving God requires our total personal capacity and vigor.
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I Peter 4:11
If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Peter clarifies that when we serve, we do so using the strength which God supplies, ensuring He receives the glory.