κρατέω (krateō)

The verb krateō conveys the forceful act of seizing, holding fast, or exercising power over something. Derived from a root meaning strength or might, it describes more than passive possession; it implies an active grip that maintains control. In the Gospels, this power is often visible in physical interactions, such as when Jesus takes Lazarus by the hand to raise him from the dead (Mark 5:41), or when crowds attempt to seize Him to force Him into a political role (John 6:15).

Its usage extends beyond the physical into spiritual and doctrinal realms. The word appears in passages describing death’s inability to hold Jesus (Acts 2:24) and in warnings to retain apostolic teaching against false traditions (Mark 7:8). It also describes the restraint of natural forces, as when angels are commanded to hold back the winds until God’s servants are sealed (Revelation 7:1). Translators typically render it as "hold," "seize," or "retain," depending on whether the context involves a physical hand or an abstract truth.

A defining feature of krateō is its emphasis on persistence. It is not merely about grabbing something initially, but about keeping it securely. This nuance appears in Colossians 2:19, where believers are described as holding fast to Christ, the head, from whom the whole body grows. The word suggests that true strength lies in this sustained grip, whether one is resisting death, guarding doctrine, or maintaining connection with divine authority.