ἐπιστηρίζω

From the study of Acts 14:22

Range of meaning

To make firm, prop up, support, strengthen. The simple verb στηρίζω means to set something fast or fix it in place. The prefix ἐπι- adds the idea of further or added support.

Against the English

BSB, WEB and most modern versions have 'strengthening'. KJV and YLT have 'confirming', which in 1611 kept its Latin sense of 'making firm' (con-firmare).

How it drifted

'Confirm' has since narrowed to 'verify' or 'make certain', and in church language it calls up the rite of Confirmation. Neither is meant here.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament the compound appears only in Acts: here, 15:32, 15:41, and in some manuscripts of 18:23. Each time it describes return visits to young congregations. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) it is used of physically propping up or supporting (e.g. Judg 16:26 of Samson leaning on the pillars). The simple verb στηρίζω describes strengthening believers in Luke 22:32, Rom 1:11 and 1 Thess 3:2, 13.

From the study of Acts 15:32

Range of meaning

To prop up, support, or make firm and steady. It is built on stērizō ('set fast, fix') with the prefix epi- ('upon'), which strengthens the sense of support placed on or against something.

Against the English

Modern versions use 'strengthened'. The KJV uses 'confirmed', which in 1611 meant 'made firm' (from Latin confirmare). Modern readers may hear a church rite in that word.

How it drifted

'Confirm' has narrowed in English to verifying a fact or to the church rite of Confirmation. The Greek is about stability, not ceremony.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament only Acts uses it, and always for strengthening communities after their founding or during trouble: 14:22 ('strengthening the souls of the disciples'), 15:32, 15:41 ('strengthening the churches'), and 18:23 in some manuscripts. In the Septuagint the related middle forms mean leaning on or being propped up, e.g. Isa 36:6, of leaning on Egypt like a reed staff.

From the study of Acts 18:23

Range of meaning

Built from stērizō, 'to set fast, fix firmly, prop up, support', plus the prefix epi- ('upon'). In ordinary Greek, stērizō is used for propping up a building or plant, setting something fast on a base, or fixing your face or gaze steadily. Used figuratively, it means making a person or group steady, resolute and able to stand.

Against the English

'Strengthening' (KJV, BSB, YLT) is accurate, but to modern ears it can sound like a general boost of energy or morale. 'Establishing' (WEB) better catches the picture of making something stand firm on its base. 'Confirming' (the Vulgate's confirmans, from which older English took 'confirm') carries the same sense of making firm. It has nothing to do with the later rite of confirmation.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament the compound appears only in Acts (14:22; 15:32; 15:41; and here in the supplied text). The simple stērizō is common for steadying believers (Luke 22:32, 'strengthen your brothers'; Rom 1:11; 1 Thess 3:2, 13). In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), stērizō translates Hebrew sāmak, 'to lean on, sustain', for example 'bread that sustains the heart' (Ps 104:15 [LXX 103:15]). Acts 14:22 gives the fullest picture of what the activity involved: 'strengthening the souls of the disciples, urging them to remain in the faith, and saying, "Through many hardships we must enter the kingdom of God."'