The Meaning of Ischus in the Bible

Definition

The Greek word ἰσχύς (ischus) means strength, might, power, or force. Unlike dynamis (power in action) or kratos (dominion, ruling power), ischus emphasizes inherent strength—the ability or capacity a person has within them. It’s less about explosive power and more about enduring, steady strength.

Think of it this way:

• Dynamis = ability to do something (potential).
• Kratos = power exercised in rule.
• Ischus = raw strength or inner capacity.

Usage in the New Testament

1. Strength Belongs to God

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might [ischus] and honor and glory and blessing!” — Revelation 5:12

2. God’s Might in Creation and Sustaining

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might [ischus] forever and ever!’” — Revelation 5:13

3. God’s Strength Against Evil

“And they said, ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, who is and who was, for you have taken your great power [kratos] and begun to reign. The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged… and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.’” — Revelation 11:17

4. Believers Strengthened with God’s Ischus

“That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power [krataioō] through his Spirit in your inner being.” — Ephesians 3:16

5. The Armor of God

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength [ischus] of his might [kratos].” — Ephesians 6:10

Theological Significance

1. God as the Source of Strength – All ischus originates in Him. Human strength fades, but His never does (Isaiah 40:29-31).
2. Spiritual Resilience – Believers are called to live not by their own power but by drawing on God’s ischus.
3. Victory over Opposition – Spiritual warfare (Eph. 6) requires leaning on divine strength, not human might.
4. Worship and Glory – In Revelation, ischus is repeatedly part of the worship offered to Christ.

Related Verses (Where Ischus Appears)

• Mark 12:30 – “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength [ischus].”
• Luke 10:27 – Same commandment, emphasizing whole-person devotion.
• 2 Thessalonians 1:9 – “…eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might [ischus].”
• 1 Peter 4:11 – “…so that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and might [ischus] forever and ever. Amen.”
• Revelation 7:12 – “Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might [ischus] be to our God forever and ever!”

Summary

• Ischus = inherent strength, inner capacity, might.
• It’s used of God’s strength far more than human strength.
• Believers are called to love God with all their ischus and to rely on His ischus for spiritual endurance.
• In worship, ischus is continually ascribed to Jesus Christ as part of His eternal glory.