στήκω (stēkō)
stēkō
to stand
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb stēkō means to stand firm or remain steadfast in a position. Formed from the perfect tense of histēmi, it carries a sense of established stability rather than a momentary action. In the New Testament, it appears in key passages such as Mark 3:31, where Jesus’ family stands outside, and John 1:26, where John the Baptist identifies himself as one who stands among the people.
Its most significant usage is metaphorical, urging believers to hold their ground spiritually. Paul employs it in Philippians 1:27 to exhort the church to stand firm in one spirit, and in 1 Corinthians 16:13 to encourage steadfastness in faith. The word implies an active perseverance, as seen in Galatians 5:1, where Christians are called to keep their freedom by standing firm against constraints.
This term emphasizes endurance over time. Unlike a passive state, stēkō suggests maintaining one’s stance despite external pressures. Its root in the perfect tense highlights a completed action with ongoing results, reinforcing the idea that true standing is a persistent, unyielding posture of faith and community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word stēkō describes a stability that comes from being firmly established. It is not merely about remaining in one place, but about holding a position with quiet confidence despite outside pressure. This verb carries the weight of a completed action with ongoing results, suggesting that your faith is built on something solid rather than shifting sands.
In Philippians 1:27, Paul encourages believers to stand firm in one spirit. This implies that steadfastness is often a shared experience within the community of faith. When challenges arise, standing together provides the strength needed to maintain your posture. It invites you to rest in the assurance that God has established your foundation.
Galatians 5:1 reminds us to stand firm in the liberty Christ has provided. This freedom is not a license for chaos, but a stable ground for living. As you navigate daily decisions, remember that this standing is an active perseverance. It is a gentle invitation to remain rooted in grace, trusting that your position in Christ is secure.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- do stand firm4×
- you stand1×
- you are standing firm1×
- standing1×
- he stands1×
- are standing firm1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στήκετε7×
- στήκοντες1×
- στήκει1×
Key Verses
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Galatians 5:1
Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
This verse uses stēkō to command believers to maintain their freedom in Christ and avoid returning to legalistic bondage.
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Philippians 1:27
Only let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;
Paul links standing firm with communal unity, urging the church to strive together for the faith as a single body.
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I Corinthians 16:13
Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
Here the verb is paired with courage and strength, framing steadfastness in faith as an active, vigilant posture.
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II Thessalonians 2:15
So then, brothers, stand firm and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word or by letter.
The instruction to stand firm is directly connected to holding fast to the apostolic traditions taught by word or letter.