νικάω (nikaō)
nikaō
to conquer
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 24 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb nikao means to conquer or prevail, carrying the sense of carrying off victory in a contest. In the New Testament, it appears most frequently in Revelation and the letters of John, describing both Christ’s triumph over His enemies and the believers’ endurance through persecution. The word captures a decisive success that holds firm against opposition.
Its usage spans military, legal, and athletic contexts. For instance, Romans 3:4 employs it as a legal term where God wins His case, while John 16:33 speaks of Christ overcoming the world. In Revelation, the recurring phrase "to him who overcomes" promises rewards to those who remain faithful even unto death, such as in Revelation 2:7 and 3:21.
The theological weight lies in its active nature. It is not passive survival but victorious action. Believers are described as overcoming the evil one (1 John 5:4) and prevailing over their accuser (Revelation 12:11). This language affirms that faith results in tangible victory, a theme central to the Johannine writings.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word nikao carries the weight of decisive victory. It is not merely surviving a difficult season but actively prevailing against opposition. In the New Testament, this term appears most often in the letters of John and the book of Revelation, painting a picture of faith that holds firm under pressure. It reminds us that our spiritual life is not a passive endurance test but an active engagement with truth.
This concept offers deep comfort when facing trials. Jesus declared that He had overcome the world, sharing that victory with those who trust in Him. The promise attached to this word is clear: those who remain faithful receive specific rewards and assurance of God’s presence. It shifts our focus from the size of our problems to the strength of the One who stands with us.
When challenges arise, remember that victory is already secured through Christ. Your faith connects you to this triumph, allowing you to stand firm against fear and discouragement. This enduring success is a gift of grace, inviting you to rest in the certainty that God’s purposes will prevail in your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 24 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- overcoming8×
- you have overcome2×
- overcoming,2×
- overcame2×
- have overcome2×
- will prevail1×
- will overcome1×
- to overcome1×
- overcomes1×
- he will overcome1×
- he may overcome1×
- he may conquer.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νικῶν6×
- νενικήκατε3×
- νικῶντι2×
- νικῶν,2×
- νικήσει2×
- ἐνίκησεν1×
- ἐνίκησαν1×
- ἐνίκησα1×
- νίκα1×
- νικῶντας1×
- νικῶ1×
- νικῆσαι1×
Key Verses
-
John 16:33
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Jesus uses this word to declare His definitive triumph over the world's hostility, offering peace to His followers.
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I John 5:4
For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.
The author identifies faith itself as the mechanism by which believers overcome the world's opposition.
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Revelation of John 2:7
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.
This verse promises access to the tree of life for those who maintain their faithful standing against spiritual forces.
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Revelation of John 12:11
They overcame him because of the Lamb’s blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn’t love their life, even to death.
It explains that believers overcome the accuser through the blood of the Lamb and their steadfast testimony.
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Romans 3:4
May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, “that you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment.”
Here the term is used in a legal sense, showing that God remains true and justified even when humanity is unfaithful.