The meaning of “כֹּחַ”
Understanding kôach reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or (Daniel 11:6) כּוֹחַ kôwach (ko'-akh); from an unused root meaning to be firm ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits...
כֹּחַ
or (Daniel 11:6) כּוֹחַ kôwach (ko'-akh); from an unused root meaning to be firm ability, able, chameleon, force, fruits, might, power(-ful), strength, substance, wealth. - vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce) - also (from its hardiness) a large lizard 1) strength, power, might 1a) human strength 1b) strength (of angels) 1c) power (of God) 1d) strength (of animals) 1e) strength, produce, wealth (of soil) 2) a small reptile, probably a kind of lizard, which is unclean 2a) perhaps an extinct animal, exact meaning is unknown
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 31:6 | “And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.” Word: כֹּחַ (kôach) | |
| Joshua 17:17 | “And Joshua spake unto the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, Thou art a great people, and hast great power: thou shalt not have one lot only:” Word: כֹּחַ (kôach) | |
| 1 Chronicles 29:12 | “Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all.” Word: כֹּחַ (kôach) | |
| Psalms 65:6 | “Which by his strength setteth fast the mountains; being girded with power:” Word: כֹּחַ (kôach) | |
| Lamentations 1:14 | “The yoke of my transgressions is bound by his hand: they are wreathed, and come up upon my neck: he hath made my strength to fall, the Lord hath delivered me into their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up.” Word: כֹּחַ (kôach) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Power
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Power, strength
The Hebrew koach (כֹּחַ) means power or strength—ability to accomplish. God's power is infinite: 'Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?' (Isaiah 40:28).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Power, ability
The Greek dunamis (δύναμις) denotes power or ability—the source of 'dynamite.' The gospel is 'the power of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16), and believers receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them (Acts 1:8).