# strength, strengthen #

## Facts: ##

The term "strength" refers to the state of being strong physically, emotionally, or spiritually. To "strengthen" means to make someone or something stronger.

* "Strength" can also refer to being able to stand up against some kind of opposing force.
* A person has strength of will if he is able to not give in to temptation.
* One writer of the Psalms calls Yahweh his strength, which means that God helps him to be strong.
* If a physical structure like a wall or building is "strengthened," it means that people are rebuilding the structure, to reinforce it with more stones or brick so that it can withstand an attack.

## Translation Suggestions ##

* In general, the term "strengthen" can be translated as "cause to be strong" or "make more powerful." 
* In a spiritual sense, the phrase, "strengthen your brothers" could also be translated as "encourage your brothers" or "help your brothers to persevere." 
* The following expressions are examples of how this term is used, along with their meanings, which are also alternate ways they can be translated:
   * "puts strength on me like a belt" means, "causes me to be completely strong, like a belt that completely surrounds my waist."
   * "in quietness and trust will be your strength" means, "acting calmly and trusting in God will make you spiritually strong."
   * "will renew their strength" means, "will become stronger again."
   * "by my strength and by my wisdom I acted" means, "I have done all this because I am so strong and wise."
   * "strengthen the wall" means, "reinforce the wall" or "rebuild the wall."
   * "I will strengthen you" means, "I will cause you to be strong"
   * "in Yahweh alone are salvation and strength" means, "Yahweh is the only one who saves us and strengthens us."
   * "the rock of your strength" means, "the faithful one who makes you strong"
   * "with the saving strength of his right hand" means, "he strongly rescues you from trouble like someone who holds you safely with his strong hand."
   * "of little strength" means, "not very strong" or "weak."
   * "with all my strength" means, "using my best efforts" or "strongly and completely."

(See also: [faithful](../kt/faithful.md) **·** [perseverance](../other/perseverance.md) **·** [righthand](../kt/righthand.md) **·** [salvation](../kt/salvation.md))

## Bible References: ##

* [2 Kings 18:19-21](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2ki/18/19)
* [2 Peter 02:10-11](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/2pe/02/10)
* [Luke 10:25-28](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/luk/10/25)
* [Psalm 021:1-2](https://door43.org/en/bible/notes/psa/021/001)