ἰσχύω (ischuō)
ischuō
be strong
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 28 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ischuō conveys the idea of being strong, whether in physical health or practical ability. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to describe those who are well enough to need a doctor (Matthew 9:12) and contrasts human capability with divine power, noting that his disciples could not watch with him for even one hour (Matthew 26:40). This range covers everything from bodily robustness to the capacity to act effectively in difficult situations.
Its meaning extends beyond mere strength to include prevailing or availing. In Acts, Paul’s preaching is described as gaining such power that it overcame opposition (Acts 19:20), and in Galatians, faith working through love is said to have real force (Galatians 5:6). The word often appears with an infinitive to indicate what someone is able or unable to do, grounding abstract strength in concrete action.
This term captures a dynamic kind of strength that produces results. It is not just about potential power but about effective operation in the world. Whether describing physical health, the ability to endure hardship, or the success of a message, ischuō points to a vitality that makes a difference in real circumstances.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Jesus said those who are healthy have no need for a physician, He is using a word that describes real, working strength. It is not just about feeling fine; it is about having the capacity to act and endure. This word reminds us that God’s power is not abstract. It shows up in our ability to withstand hardship, to finish what we start, and to stand firm when things fall apart around us.
Paul knew this kind of strength well. He wrote that he could do all things through Christ who strengthens him. This does not mean we are naturally tough or self-sufficient. It means that when our own resources run dry, divine power steps in to carry us forward. The word points to a vitality that makes a difference in real circumstances, turning weakness into effective action.
We do not have to rely on our own limited energy to face the day. Instead, we can look to the One who gives strength. This promise is available to everyone who trusts in Him. It offers a steady hope that we are never alone in our struggles, but are held by a power that cannot be shaken.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 28 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were able4×
- was able3×
- being strong2×
- you were able1×
- will be able.1×
- were you able1×
- were they able1×
- were able1×
- we were able1×
- was prevailing.1×
- to be able1×
- they had power.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἴσχυσεν4×
- ἰσχύει4×
- ἴσχυον3×
- ἴσχυσαν2×
- ἰσχύσαμεν2×
- ἰσχύοντες2×
- ἴσχυσεν,1×
- ἴσχυσας1×
- ἴσχυσαν.¶1×
- ἴσχυεν.¶1×
- ἴσχυεν1×
- ἰσχύω,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:12
When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Jesus uses this word to describe physical health, showing that true strength includes the ability to recognize one's own need for help.
-
Mark 5:4
because he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by him, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame him.
The text highlights human inability when it says no one had the strength to tame the demon-possessed man, contrasting our limits with divine power.
-
Luke 16:3
“The manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I don’t have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg.
The dishonest manager admits he lacks the strength to dig, illustrating how this word describes practical capacity in difficult situations.
-
Acts 19:20
So the word of the Lord was growing and becoming mighty.
This verse shows the word applied to the Gospel itself, describing how the message became mighty and overcame opposition.
-
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Paul uses this concept to explain that his endurance comes not from himself but from Christ who strengthens him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ischuō mean?
How is ischuō different from dunamis?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Does this word imply self-sufficiency?
Every Occurrence (28 verses across 10 books)
Matthew 4 verses
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for…
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…
Matthew 9:12When Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Matthew 26:40He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What, couldn’t you watch with me for one hour?