κράτος (kratos)
kratos
power
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kratos signifies raw strength or might, often emphasizing physical power or forceful action. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from God’s mighty deeds to the spiritual strength believers draw from Him. For instance, Luke describes God scattering the proud “by the strength of His arm” (Luke 1:51), using this word to highlight decisive, powerful intervention.
Its usage extends beyond mere ability to encompass dominion and authority. Paul refers to being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might in Ephesians 1:19, linking kratos directly to divine capability that surpasses human limitation. This concept of power is frequently paired with glory in doxologies, such as in Revelation 5:13, where every creature praises the One seated on the throne and the Lamb.
While related to other terms for strength, kratos often carries a sense of active, exerted force rather than static potential. It appears in phrases like “mightily” (Acts 19:20) to describe the effective spread of the gospel. The word underscores that true power belongs to God, who uses it both in judgment and in sustaining His people.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kratos points to active, exerted force rather than just potential ability. It describes God’s decisive intervention in history, such as when He scattered the proud in Luke 1:51. This is not a distant power but one that acts with clarity and purpose, breaking down barriers that human effort cannot move.
For your daily life, this means you are never fighting alone. Ephesians 6:10 invites us to stand firm using the strength of His might. When you feel weak, you can rely on a power that surpasses your own limitations. It is a reminder that true strength comes from Him, sustaining you with endurance and joy.
Ultimately, this power belongs to God alone. Revelation 5:13 shows all creation praising the One who holds dominion forever. You can rest in the knowledge that He is in control, using His might to uphold your faith and bring glory to His name in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- might4×
- power3×
- dominion3×
- strength2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κράτος10×
- κράτους1×
- κράτει1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:51
He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.
This verse highlights God's active intervention, showing how He uses strength to humble the proud and reverse worldly expectations.
-
Ephesians 6:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
Here the word is linked to spiritual warfare, indicating that believers draw their standing firm from divine might rather than personal resolve.