παντοκράτωρ (pantokratōr)
pantokratōr
almighty
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun pantokratōr translates to "almighty" or "all-powerful," describing one who holds absolute sway over everything. It is a title reserved for God, emphasizing His supreme authority and control over all creation. In the New Testament, this word appears ten times, with the vast majority of occurrences found in the Book of Revelation, where it serves as a central declaration of divine sovereignty.
Etymologically, the term combines pan ("all") and kratos ("power" or "strength"). This construction links directly to the Old Testament Greek translation, where it rendered Hebrew names like Shaddai and phrases meaning "Lord of Hosts." The sources note its frequent use in the writings of prophets such as Amos, Zechariah, and Malachi, establishing a continuity between the God of Israel and the Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
While most common in Revelation (appearing in verses like 1:8, 4:8, and 21:22), it also appears twice in Second Corinthians (6:18). Here, Paul uses it to affirm God’s promise to be a Father to His people. The word carries significant theological weight, reminding readers that the same all-powerful ruler who governs history is intimately involved with believers as their Father.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pantokratōr reminds us that God holds absolute power over every part of creation. It combines ideas of 'all' and 'strength,' showing that nothing happens outside His control. In Revelation, this title appears often, declaring that the same God who made the stars is also the one reigning in history.
This truth brings deep comfort. When life feels chaotic or uncertain, knowing that the Almighty is still on the throne helps us rest. We do not face our struggles alone; the One who rules the universe is close to us. This power is not just for judgment but for sustaining those who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Almighty.5×
- Almighty,3×
- Almighty!1×
- Almighty1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παντοκράτωρ,3×
- παντοκράτωρ.¶2×
- παντοκράτωρ.2×
- παντοκράτορος.2×
- παντοκράτωρ1×
Key Verses
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Revelation of John 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
This verse introduces the title as a self-declaration by God, linking His eternal nature with absolute sovereignty.
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II Corinthians 6:18
I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Paul uses this powerful title to affirm God’s personal promise to be a Father to believers, showing His power is tied to intimate relationship.
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Revelation of John 4:8
The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!”
The heavenly creatures use this name in continuous worship, highlighting that God’s almighty nature is the focus of eternal praise.
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Revelation of John 19:6
I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns!
Here the multitude rejoices because the Almighty has truly begun to reign, connecting His power with the establishment of justice and peace.