The meaning of “δύναμις”
Understanding dýnamis reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonde...
δύναμις
ability, abundance, meaning, might(-ily, -y, -y deed), (worker of) miracle(-s), power, strength, violence, mighty (wonderful) work. - force (literally or figuratively) - specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 13:58 | “And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. ” Word: δύναμις (dýnamis) | |
| Acts 6:8 | “And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.” Word: δύναμις (dýnamis) | |
| 2 Corinthians 8:3 | “For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;” Word: δύναμις (dýnamis) | |
| Philippians 3:10 | “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;” Word: δύναμις (dýnamis) | |
| 2 Thessalonians 1:11 | “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:” Word: δύναμις (dýnamis) |
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).