Strong's Number for Greek Word for Authority

The Greek word ἰσχυρός (ischyros), Strong's G2478, is an adjective meaning "strong" or "mighty" ^{[7, 8, 9]}. It appears in various forms throughout the New Testament, often describing physical strength, power, or intensity. For example, in Revelation 10:1, it describes an angel as "mighty" (ἰσχυρὸν) ^[5]. The related noun ἰσχύς (ischys), Strong's G2479, refers to "strength" or "power" ^{[3, 4, 6]}.

The term ἰσχυρός (ischyros) is used in the Gospels to refer to a "strong man" (ἰσχυροῦ) whom one must bind before plundering his house, as seen in Matthew 12:29 and Mark 3:27 ^{[1, 2]}. This imagery is interpreted by some as referring to Satan, who must be overcome by a stronger power ^[11]. The concept of divine strength overcoming evil is a recurring theme.

In 2 Corinthians 12:9, the apostle Paul quotes the Lord saying, "My strength (δύναμις) is made perfect in weakness." While the specific word here is δύναμις (dynamis), the commentary in Jamieson, Fausset & Brown notes that "strength" in this context refers to divine "power" ^[10]. This highlights a theological understanding where God's power is most evident in human weakness.

The noun ἰσχύς (ischys) is also found in passages like Mark 12:30 and 12:33, where it is part of the command to love God with all one's "strength" (ἰσχύος) ^{[3, 6]}. This indicates that strength is not merely physical but also encompasses one's entire being in devotion to God.

The concept of strength and power is frequently associated with God's attributes. For instance, in Colossians 1:11, believers are described as "being made mighty with (literally, 'in') all might" (δυνάμει) according to God's "glorious power" (κράτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ) ^[14]. This emphasizes that the strength believers possess is derived from God's own glorious power. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown clarifies that this power is inseparable from God's glory ^[14].

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew equivalent of "strength" or "power" is often linked to God's presence and actions. John Gill, in his commentary on Psalms 105:4, suggests that "strength" can refer to the Ark of the Covenant, which symbolized God's presence and through which He demonstrated His power, such as dividing the waters of the Jordan or plaguing the Philistines ^[13]. Gill further connects this "strength" to Jesus Christ, whom God "has made strong for himself" ^[13].

The broader semantic range of ἰσχυρός (ischyros) and ἰσχύς (ischys) extends beyond mere physical might to encompass authority, capability, and divine efficacy. For example, in Revelation 5:12, the Lamb is deemed worthy "to receive power" (τὴν δύναμιν), among other attributes ^[12]. Here, "power" (δύναμις) is grouped with other divine qualities, suggesting a comprehensive understanding of authority and might. Jamieson, Fausset & Brown notes that these attributes form "one complete aggregate belonging to God and His co-equal, the Lamb" ^[12].

The idea of "strength" also appears in contexts related to spiritual warfare and the overcoming of evil. The "strong hand" of God mentioned in Isaiah 40:10 is interpreted by Jamieson, Fausset & Brown as God acting "as a strong one" or "against the strong one, namely, Satan" ^[11]. This highlights the divine power necessary to defeat spiritual adversaries.

The use of ἰσχυρός (ischyros) and ἰσχύς (ischys) in the New Testament, therefore, consistently points to a robust understanding of strength and power, whether in a physical, spiritual, or authoritative sense, often emphasizing its divine origin and application.

Sources

STEPBible TAGNT “Mrk.3.27#09=NKO — Greek tagged text (TAGNT): ἰσχυροῦ (ischurou) [strong man] "G2478=A-GSM"”
STEPBible TAGNT “Mat.12.29#10=NKO — Greek tagged text (TAGNT): ἰσχυροῦ (ischurou) [strong [man]] "G2478=A-GSM"”
STEPBible TAGNT “Mrk.12.33#23=NKO — Greek tagged text (TAGNT): ἰσχύος (ischuos) [strength] "G2479=N-GSF"”
STEPBible TAGNT “2Th.1.9#15=NKO — Greek tagged text (TAGNT): ἰσχύος (ischuos) [power] "G2479=N-GSF"”
STEPBible TAGNT “Rev.10.1#05=NKO — Greek tagged text (TAGNT): ἰσχυρὸν (ischuron) [mighty] "G2478=A-ASM"”
STEPBible TAGNT “Mrk.12.30#28=NKO — Greek tagged text (TAGNT): ἰσχύος (ischuos) [strength] "G2479=N-GSF"”
TFLSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) “[G2478] ἰσχυρός — strong (part 183/208): 7th c.BC+</a>]; ἰ.”
TFLSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) “[G2478] ἰσχυρός — strong (part 182/208): s 7th c.BC+</a>]; ἰ.”
TFLSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) “[G2478] ἰσχυρός — strong (part 181/208): fs 7th c.BC+</a>]; ἰ.”
2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 12:9: said--literally, "He hath said," implying that His answer is enough [ALFORD]. is sufficient--The trial must endure, but the grace shall also endure and never fail thee [ALFORD], (Deu 33:25). The Lord puts the words into Paul's mouth, that following them up he might say, "O Lord, Thy grace is sufficient for me" [BENGEL]. my strength--Greek, "power." is made perfect--has its most perfect manifestation. in weakness--Do not ask for sensible strength, FOR My power is perfected in man's "strengthlessness" (so the Greek). The "for" implies, thy”
Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 40:10: with strong hand--or, "against the strong"; rather, "as a strong one" [MAURER]. Or, against the strong one, namely, Satan (Mat 12:29; Rev 20:2-3, Rev 20:10) [VITRINGA]. arm--power (Psa 89:13; Psa 98:1). for him--that is, He needs not to seek help for Himself from any external source, but by His own inherent power He gains rule for Himself (so Isa 40:14). work--or, "recompense for his work"; rather, "recompense which He gives for work" (Isa 62:11; Rev 22:12).”
Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 5:12: to receive power--Greek, "the power." The remaining six (the whole being seven, the number for perfection and completeness) are all, as well as "power," ranged under the one Greek article, to mark that they form one complete aggregate belonging to God and His co-equal, the Lamb. Compare Rev 7:12, where each of all seven has the article. riches--both spiritual and earthly. blessing--ascribed praise: the will on the creature's part, though unaccompanied by the power, to return blessing for blessing conferred [ALFORD].”
Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 105:4: Seek the Lord and his strength,.... The ark, which is called his strength, and the ark of his strength, Psa 78:61, because he had shown his great strength by it, in dividing the waters at Jordan, throwing down the walls of Jericho, and plaguing the Philistines because of it, when among them. This was a symbol of God's presence, before which he was sought by his people; and was a type of our Lord Jesus, the man of God's right hand, whom he has made strong for himself, and who is called his strength, Psa 80:18. Some render it, and which Aben Ezra makes mention of, thou”
Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:11: Greek, "Being made mighty with (literally, 'in') all might." according to his glorious power--rather, "according to the power (the characteristic of 'His glory,' here appropriate to Paul's argument, Eph 1:19; Eph 6:10; as its exuberant 'riches,' in Eph 3:16) of His glory." His power is inseparable from His glory (Rom 6:4). unto all patience--so as to attain to all patient endurance; persevering, enduring continuance in the faith, in spite of trials of persecutors, and seductions of false teachers. long-suffering--towards those whom one could ”

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