σθενόω (sthenoō)
sthenoō
to strengthen
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb sthenooō means to make strong or to give strength, derived from the noun sthenos, which refers to bodily vigour or physical power. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in 1 Peter 5:10, where God is described as the one who restores and strengthens believers after they have suffered.
This usage shifts the concept of strength from mere physical capability to inner resilience. The word implies an active process of fortifying someone’s soul or spirit during difficult times. By linking divine action with human endurance, it highlights that true stability comes from God rather than personal might alone.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels heavy, it is easy to believe our own strength is all we have left. The word sthenooō reminds us that God actively works to strengthen us from within. This is not a passive wish but a divine action where He restores what suffering has worn down.
In 1 Peter 5:10, this promise follows a period of pain. It suggests that after the storm passes, God does not just leave us as we were. He perfects and settles us, giving us a resilience that comes from His grace alone. We do not need to manufacture this strength ourselves.
This truth invites us to rest in His care during hard seasons. Our endurance is supported by His power, allowing us to stand firm when our own resources run dry. May you feel this quiet strengthening in your heart today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he will strengthen [you],1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σθενώσει,1×