νίκη (nikē)
nikē
victory
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun nikē signifies victory, appearing only once in the New Testament at 1 John 5:4. In this context, it describes the triumph that comes through faith. The word conveys the idea of overcoming or prevailing, suggesting a decisive success rather than a temporary advantage.
Its usage here links victory directly to belief. Christians understand this passage to mean that faith is the mechanism by which believers overcome the world. The sources note its frequent appearance in the Septuagint and Maccabees, where it often refers to military or national deliverance. John adapts this strong term to describe spiritual conquest.
The term implies a victorious principle at work within the believer. It is not merely winning a battle but possessing a state of triumph. This single occurrence anchors the concept of Christian victory in faith alone, distinguishing it from worldly power or force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word nikē, meaning victory, appears just once in the New Testament within 1 John 5:4. It describes a decisive triumph that comes through faith. This is not a fleeting success but a lasting state of overcoming the world. For your daily life, this offers a solid foundation when challenges arise.
John uses this strong term to show that belief is the key to spiritual conquest. You do not need worldly power or force to prevail. Instead, trust in God provides the strength needed to face difficulties. This victory is already present in your relationship with Christ.
When you feel overwhelmed, remember that faith itself is the winning principle. It connects you to the source of all true success. Rest in this assurance that your belief secures your triumph over every obstacle.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- victory1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νίκη1×