κραταιόω (krataioō)
krataioō
to strengthen
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb krataioō means to make something or someone strong, focusing on the act of strengthening rather than just possessing strength. It appears in four New Testament passages, primarily describing how individuals grow in resilience or power over time. In Luke 2:40 and Luke 1:80, it describes the physical and spiritual maturation of John the Baptist and Jesus, indicating a natural development into robust health and wisdom.
In Paul’s letters, the word takes on a deeper theological layer. Ephesians 3:16 uses it to ask that believers be strengthened "in their inner being" by the Holy Spirit. This suggests that true strength is not merely physical or social, but an internal fortitude granted from within. The term implies a process of becoming capable and enduring, rather than a static state.
Its root relates to holding fast or having power, which gives the word a sense of firmness. Translators often render it as "strengthened" or "grow strong," capturing the dynamic nature of the action. Whether describing a child’s development or a believer’s spiritual resilience, the word points to an active increase in capacity and stability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word krataioō describes a dynamic process of becoming strong, rather than simply possessing strength as a fixed trait. In the Gospels, we see this applied to Jesus and John the Baptist as they grew in wisdom and physical resilience. This reminds us that spiritual maturity is often a gradual journey, shaped by time, experience, and the presence of God.
Paul expands this idea in Ephesians, praying for believers to be strengthened in their inner being through the Holy Spirit. This suggests that true endurance comes from within, rooted in divine power rather than human effort alone. When life feels heavy, this promise offers a source of stability that does not fade with circumstances.
Whether you are navigating childhood development or adult challenges, the call to be strengthened is an invitation to rely on God’s ongoing work in your life. It is a gentle assurance that growth happens step by step, supported by grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to be strengthened1×
- he was strengthened1×
- do be strong.1×
- He was being strengthened1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκραταιοῦτο2×
- κραταιωθῆναι1×
- κραταιοῦσθε.1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 3:16
that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner person,
This verse shifts the focus from external capability to inner spiritual resilience, specifying that strength comes through the Spirit.
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Luke 2:40
The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him.
Here the word describes Jesus’ natural development into wisdom and physical strength, showing God’s favor in ordinary growth.
-
Luke 1:80
The child was growing and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.
It portrays John the Baptist’s preparation in the desert, linking spiritual fortitude with a life set apart for God’s purpose.