The meaning of “ἐξουσία”
Understanding exousía reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. - privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, ...
ἐξουσία
authority, jurisdiction, liberty, power, right, strength. - privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token of control), delegated influence
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 10:1 | “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.” Word: ἐξουσία (exousía) | |
| John 17:2 | “As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.” Word: ἐξουσία (exousía) | |
| 1 Corinthians 9:6 | “Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?” Word: ἐξουσία (exousía) | |
| Colossians 2:10 | “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:” Word: ἐξουσία (exousía) | |
| Hebrews 13:10 | “We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.” Word: ἐξουσία (exousía) |