Original Word: κράτος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: kratos
Pronunciation: KRAH-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (krat'-os)
KJV: dominion, might(-ily), power, strength
NASB: dominion, strength, might, mightily, mighty deeds, power
Word Origin: [perhaps a primary word]

1. vigor ("great")
{literally or figuratively}

dominion, power, strength.

Perhaps a primary word; vigor ("great") (literally or figuratively) -- dominion, might(-ily), power, strength.

2904 krátos (from a root meaning "to perfect, complete," so Curtius, Thayer) – properly, dominion, exerted power.

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
strength, might
NASB Translation
dominion (6), might (1), mightily (1), mighty deeds (1), power (1), strength (2).

STRONGS NT 2904: κράτος

κράτος, κρατεος (κράτους) (from a root meaning 'to perfect, complete' (Curtius, § 72); from Homer down), τό, Hebrew עֹז;

1. force, strength.

2. power, might: τό κράτος τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ, the might of his strength, Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 6:10; τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ, Colossians 1:11; κατά κράτος, mightily, with great power, ηὔξανε, Acts 19:20; metonymy, a mighty deed, a work of power: ποιεῖν κράτος (cf. ποιεῖν δυνάμεις), Luke 1:51.

3. dominion: in the doxologies, 1 Timothy 6:16; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Peter 5:11; Jude 1:25; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:13; τίνος (the genitive of object), Hebrews 2:14 (τό Περσεων κράτος ἔχοντα, Herodotus 3, 69). (Synonym: see δύναμις, at the end.)

Overview

Strong’s Greek 2904, kratos, denotes might in active exercise—power that is both inherent and demonstrated. In the New Testament it is reserved almost exclusively for God, Christ, or the divine word, and in doxology it expresses unending dominion. Twelve occurrences cluster around three themes: God’s sovereign rule, Christ’s redemptive conquest, and the believer’s Spirit-empowered endurance.

Divine Strength and Sovereignty

Kratos highlights the unassailable vigor with which the Lord rules creation and history. “He has performed mighty deeds with His arm” (Luke 1:51), echoing the Old Testament pattern where the Septuagint often employs kratos for Yahweh’s victorious strength (for example, Exodus 15:6; Psalm 89:13). Paul praises “the surpassing greatness of His power … according to the working of His mighty strength” (Ephesians 1:19), linking kratos with God’s energetic “working” (energeia) that raised Christ and exalted Him above all rulers and authorities.

Christ’s Victory and Cosmic Dominion

Hebrews 2:14 declares that through death Jesus destroyed “him who holds the power of death,” proving that Christ wields kratos over every hostile force. Revelation gathers heaven and earth in acclamation: “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:13). The Lamb’s worthiness is measured by eternal kratos, ensuring that redemption culminates in royal dominion shared by Father and Son.

Believer’s Empowerment for Spiritual Warfare

Kratos is not confined to heaven; it fortifies the saints on earth. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Ephesians 6:10). The believer stands against the devil’s schemes by relying on divine kratos rather than human ability. Colossians 1:11 prays that disciples be “strengthened with all power according to His glorious might,” so endurance and patience flow from the same reservoir that conquered death.

Growth of the Gospel

Acts 19:20 records that in Ephesus “the word of the Lord continued to grow and prevail mightily.” Kratos describes the unstoppable advance of Scripture itself; as God’s message spreads, His active power overturns occult practices and cultural strongholds.

Doxology and Worship Pattern

Early Christian worship repeatedly seals praise with kratos. “To Him be honor and eternal dominion” (1 Timothy 6:16); “To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever” (1 Peter 4:11); “To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever” (Revelation 1:6). In each case kratos is coordinated with glory, reinforcing that the God who deserves praise also possesses the authority to fulfill His promises.

Eschatological Assurance

Jude 25 gathers past, present, and future into one sweeping affirmation: the only God through Jesus Christ has kratos “before all time, and now, and for all eternity.” The church’s hope rests on a power that precedes creation and will endure after final judgment, guaranteeing the consummation of God’s redemptive plan.

Historical Background

Hellenistic writers used kratos for political control, military victory, and mythological prowess. The New Testament repurposes the term, stripping it of any hint of capricious or tyrannical might. Instead, kratos is holy, righteous, and self-giving, rooted in the character of the covenant God revealed in Jesus Christ.

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

1. Preaching should anchor assurance in God’s manifested strength, not felt experience.
2. Prayer may claim kratos for endurance, as modeled in Colossians 1:11.
3. Corporate worship gains biblical depth by echoing the doxological formulae that end with “power” or “dominion.”
4. Spiritual warfare training must emphasize that victory depends on union with Christ’s kratos, not on human technique.

Key Texts for Study

Luke 1:51; Acts 19:20; Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 6:10; Colossians 1:11; 1 Timothy 6:16; Hebrews 2:14; 1 Peter 4:11; 1 Peter 5:11; Jude 25; Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:13.

κρατει κράτει κράτη κρατος κράτος κρατους κράτους kratei krátei kratos krátos kratous krátousInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts