Interestingly, the Bible sometimes uses the English word power for two very different ideas.
I have a degree in linguistics, with an emphasis in Ancient Greek—the language in which the New Testament was originally written. In this blog post series, we explore how the Bible’s original languages can deepen our study as missionaries and as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
If you have a missionary preparing to leave soon, share this with them. This distinction can make a real difference in personal study, companionship study, and even a District Council lesson.
Two Greek words are frequently translated as “power” in the New Testament: δύναμις (dynamis) and ἐξουσία (exousia).
δύναμις: power, ability, strength
Dynamis is generally the word most like what we mean by “power” today: ability, strength, might, or the capacity to accomplish something.
Interestingly, ancient Greek philosophers could also use dynamis to describe potential. Aristotle, for example, might say that raw bronze has the dynamis—the potential—to become a statue. In the New Testament, though, the word often refers to real strength or divine miracle-working power.
ἐξουσία: authority, right, or permission
Exousia, by contrast, is often better translated as authority—the rightful permission or jurisdiction to act.
The word is related to ἔξεστι (exesti), meaning “it is permitted” or “it is lawful.” Think of a police officer: they may have physical strength, but their authority to act comes from the government they represent. If they lose their commission, they may retain their physical strength, but they no longer possess the same official authority.
That distinction matters when we read scripture.
In Luke 9:1, Jesus “gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases” (KJV). The Greek uses both words:
- δύναμις — power or ability
- ἐξουσία — authority or rightful commission
Christ gave His Apostles not only the ability to minister, but also the authority to do so in His name.
“All authority is given unto me”
This becomes especially meaningful in Matthew 28:18:
“All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (KJV)
The Greek word translated as “power” in this verse is ἐξουσία. A fuller sense would be:
“All authority has been given unto me in heaven and on earth.”
This is not merely a statement that Jesus Christ is strong. It is a declaration that He possesses the rightful authority to lead, govern, save, and send forth His disciples.
That authority is the foundation for the commission that follows: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations” (Matthew 28:19).
For missionaries—and for every disciple of Christ—this distinction is worth remembering. The Lord does not only strengthen His servants. He also authorizes them to act in His name, according to their calling and stewardship.
As you study the New Testament, watch for the word power. Ask yourself: is the original word dynamis, referring to strength or ability? Or is it exousia, referring to authority, permission, or rightful jurisdiction?
Sometimes, that one question opens an entirely new layer of meaning.
Here are some more places in the New Testament where ἐξουσία is translated as “power” instead of “authority”:
Matthew 9:6
Matthew 10:1
Matthew 28:18
Mark 3:15
Mark 6:7
Luke 4:6
Luke 5:24
Luke 10:19
Luke 22:53
Luke 12:5
John 10:18
John 17:2
John 19:10–11
Acts 1:7
Acts 5:4
Acts 8:19
1 Corinthians 8:9
1 Corinthians 9:4–18
1 Corinthians 11:10
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