"strongest; in NT κράτιστε, a term of respect, most excellent, noble, or illustrious, Lk. 1:3; Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25*"
Definition and meaning
strongest; in NT κράτιστε, a term of respect, most excellent, noble, or illustrious, Lk. 1:3; Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25*
In the original Greek the word is written: κράτιστος
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of kratistos (G2903) across the King James Bible.
It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
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Common questions
Strong's G2903 (kratistos) is a Greek word that means: strongest; in NT κράτιστε, a term of respect, most excellent, noble, or illustrious, Lk. 1:3; Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25* It appears 4 times in the King James Bible.
The word kratistos (G2903) appears 4 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2903 is kratistos, a Greek word defined as: strongest; in NT κράτιστε, a term of respect, most excellent, noble, or illustrious, Lk. 1:3; Acts 23:26; 24:3; 26:25*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
kratistos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.