Bible Dictionary
STEDFASTNESS
Steadfastness is firmness and stability in faith. Christians are urged to maintain a solid, enduring commitment to Christ and not be carried away from the truth.
Definition
Steadfastness is firmness, stability, and an established position that does not easily move. In Christian usage it describes durable faith and a firm continuance in the truth.
Biblical Usage
Believers are commended for the steadfastness of their faith in Christ and are urged to remain stable rather than be carried away. The related New Testament terms convey firmness, stability, and persistence.
Historical Background
The word may be understood figuratively as a solid front, using military imagery. It also denotes stability in the broader sense of being firmly established.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>sted'-fast-nes:</p><p>(1) stereoma, "firmness": "The steadfastness of your faith in Christ" (Col 2:5). Some take this figuratively, in a military sense, of a "solid front" (see Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of New Testament, under the word).</p><p>(2) sterigmos, "stability" (2Pe 3:17; compare 1Co 15:58).</p>