The Greek word dunamis appears over 120 times in the New Testament and is commonly translated as “power,” “ability,” or “strength.” In the Bible, dunamis refers to miraculous power, moral power, natural ability, inherent capability, military might, and authoritative permission. Understanding the different shades of meaning of dunamis can shed light on key passages about the power of God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, believers, sin, and more.
The Basic Meaning and Usage of Dunamis
The Greek word dunamis derives from the root word dunamai, meaning “to be able” or “to have power.” As a noun, dunamis refers to “power, might, strength” in a wide range of capacities. It can refer to physical strength, political power, military force, miraculous power, and more. Dunamis is part of the Greek dunamis word group along with words like dynamite and dynamic.
In the New Testament, dunamis frequently refers to miraculous power or works done through God’s power. Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons demonstrated God’s dunamis at work through Him (Matt 11:20-21). The apostles performed “many signs and wonders” through dunamis gifted to them by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:22; Rom 15:19). Dunamis was evidenced by supernatural deeds that displayed the presence of God’s Kingdom.
However, dunamis also has a broader range of meaning including capability, inherent power, privilege, authority, and influence. For example, Romans 13:1 speaks of governmental authorities having power (dunamis) to bear the sword. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 warns of punishment from the glory of Christ’s dunamis or sovereign might. So dunamis applies not just to miracles but to all manifestations of God-given ability and sanctioned authority.
Key Definitions and Usage of Dunamis in the Bible
Here are some of the key ways dunamis is used in the Bible:
Miraculous Power
God’s dunamis is behind signs, wonders, and miracles displaying Jesus Christ’s authority and the truth of the Gospel message (Mark 6:14, Matt 7:22, Acts 8:10). Believers have access to this dunamis by faith in Christ and through the Holy Spirit working in them (Acts 1:8, 1 Cor 2:4-5).
Inherent Capability
All creatures have natural dunamis given by their Creator to fulfill their purposes – birds to fly, fish to swim, humans to reason and speak (Matt 25:15). Dunamis can also refer to dormant potential, as in the parable of the talents.
Privileged Authority
Jesus gave his disciples dunamis to heal diseases and cast out demons as part of their preaching ministry (Luke 9:1). Believers are called children of God and given authority to live as His representatives on earth.
Moral Power
The Gospel itself is God’s dunamis to save people from sin (Rom 1:16). God’s kindness leads people to repentance (Rom 2:4). His love compels believers to live for Him (2 Cor 5:14). Dunamis overcomes the power of sin in human lives.
Political Power
Governing authorities have dunamis to maintain order and punish wrongdoers (Rom 13:1-4). But believers recognize that all earthly dunamis is delegated by God, who is sovereign over every realm.
Military Might
In a fallen world, nations wield dunamis to defend their interests through military force. But the Bible looks forward to a day when swords will be beaten into plowshares under the perfect reign of the Prince of Peace.
Resurrection Power
The supreme demonstration of God’s dunamis is raising Jesus Christ from the dead (Eph 1:19-20). The same power that brought Christ back to life is at work in believers, guaranteeing their resurrection hope.
Key Verses About Dunamis in the Bible
Here are some key Bible verses that highlight the meaning and usage of the Greek word dunamis:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power [dunamis] of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority [dunamis] in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)
But you will receive power [dunamis] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit…workings of miracles [dunamis]; to another prophecy… (1 Corinthians 12:7-10)
I can do all things [dunamai] through him who strengthens [dunamis] me.
(Philippians 4:13)
The Power of God
One of the most frequent usages of dunamis in the New Testament relates to the power of God. All true power comes from God. As Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign of the universe, God has supreme and limitless power. Scripture testifies to God’s great power seen in acts of creation (Jeremiah 10:12), deliverance (Deuteronomy 4:37), provision (Job 5:9), protection (Psalm 66:7), justice (Nahum 1:3), mercy (Ephesians 2:4), and judgment (Nahum 1:3). God’s power is ultimate because it is united to His other perfect attributes – His lovingkindness, holiness, wisdom, and knowledge.
Believers can take great comfort in knowing that the all-powerful eternal God is on their side as children of God. They have access to God’s limitless resurrection power through faith in Jesus Christ. God’s dunamis works through believers to accomplish His divine purposes in their lives and circles of influence. Though God’s power far exceeds human comprehension, tasting even a fraction of His great power at work inspires awe, worship, gratitude, and surrender.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
Another key manifestation of God’s dunamis in the New Testament is through the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples, “But you will receive power [dunamis] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). This promise was initially fulfilled on the Day of Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began proclaiming the Gospel in power (Acts 2:1-4).
The book of Acts gives vivid examples of the Holy Spirit empowering believers to fulfill Christ’s mission for His Church – preaching boldly (Acts 4:31), producing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), ministering spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:7-11), performing signs and wonders (Acts 6:8), giving strength in suffering (2 Timothy 1:7-8), and guiding the spread of the Gospel (Acts 8:29, 13:2).
The Holy Spirit imparts God’s resurrection power to every believer in Jesus Christ. As Paul says, “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit is the manifestation of God’s personal presence and dunamis actively at work within Christians.
The Power of Jesus Christ
The incarnate Son of God exercised divine dunamis in fulfilling His earthly messianic mission. The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus at His baptism, anointing Him with power (Luke 3:22). Jesus then proclaimed the Kingdom of God through teaching and working miracles that displayed God’s authority, love, and original purpose for creation (Matthew 4:23).
Some key displays of Christ’s power include healing all kinds of diseases (Matthew 4:23), restoring sight to the blind (Mark 8:22-25), casting out demons and unclean spirits (Mark 1:27), exercising authority over the natural elements (Mark 4:39), walking on water (John 6:19), multiplying food (Matthew 14:19-21), and raising the dead (John 11:43-44). Each miracle fulfilled Old Testament prophecies about the promised Messiah and demonstrated Jesus’ identity as the Son of God (Matthew 11:2-6).
The greatest demonstration of Jesus Christ’s power is His resurrection from the dead after His crucifixion. God exerted His “mighty power” and “raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:19-20). The risen Christ claimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). One day Christ will return again in glory to judge the world and complete the total destruction of sin, decay, and death itself through God’s infinite resurrection power (1 Corinthians 15:25-26, 54-57).
The Power of the Gospel
A key theme in the book of Romans is how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16). Though the Gospel message seems weak and foolish in worldly terms, God’s wisdom and power work through it to save people and transform lives (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Only the Spirit-empowered Gospel can break the dominion of sin and reconcile people to God.
The saving power of the Gospel offers freedom from sin (Romans 6:14), grace to obey God (Romans 6:14), confidence to suffer for Christ (2 Timothy 1:8), and inner renewal into the image of Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:29). God’s love expressed through the Gospel “controls us” and motivates heartfelt obedience (2 Corinthians 5:14). The glorious hope of the Gospel energizes believers to live for God’s Kingdom priorities rather than earthly rewards (Colossians 1:29).
The Power Working in Us
One of the most comforting and empowering truths of Scripture is that the same divine dunamis that raised Christ from the dead is at work in every believer. Paul prayed that believers would know this power at work in their lives (Ephesians 1:18-20). God’s power strengthens His children to endure suffering and glorify Christ (2 Timothy 1:7-8). Believers can live in victory over sin because of the Spirit’s sanctifying power within (Romans 8:13). God’s strength working through us allows us to effectively serve others (1 Peter 4:11).
Paul delighted that “Christ dwells in me” and confidently proclaimed, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” because of Christ’s power at work (Galatians 2:20, Philippians 4:13). God’s dunamis exceeds human comprehension – it is “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). The appropriate response is to humbly depend on His power living in us while giving Him all the glory.
The Victory of the Resurrection
The New Testament rings with the hope of resurrection life through the power of Jesus Christ. His own conquest over death guarantees the future physical resurrection of all who belong to Him. The power that raised Jesus from the dead is already active in the lives of His followers through regeneration and the indwelling Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19-20). While living in mortal bodies, Christians experience the “first fruits” of final resurrection – transformed minds, hearts, character, and destinies (Romans 8:23).
The resurrection power of God will one day raise up all who died in Christ to new glorified bodies totally free from sin, corruption, and decay (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 52). The creation itself will be liberated from death and futility into the glorious freedom of God’s children (Romans 8:21). The fear of death is broken knowing Christ has triumphed over the grave (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The hope of bodily resurrection inspires courage, endurance, holiness, and eternal perspective (Philippians 3:10-11, 1 John 3:2-3).
Overcoming the Forces of Darkness
The New Testament presents an epic spiritual battle between the forces of God’s Kingdom and the powers of darkness. The devil and demons exercise limited power and authority in trying to oppose God’s purposes. However, Christ through His death and resurrection has already won victory over Satan (1 John 3:8). Jesus disarmed the demonic powers and displayed His supremacy over them (Colossians 2:15).
Believers have the privilege of sharing in Christ’s definitive victory. Christians are called to “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might” (Ephesians 6:10). As God’s ambassadors, we have been given delegated authority to drive out demons, minister healing, and advance the Gospel against the gates of hell (Matthew 10:1, 16:18, 28:18-20). The Holy Spirit’s power enables believers to walk in purity and freedom from demonic oppression (Galatians 5:16-18). God’s dunamis working through the Gospel and the Church will ultimate vanquish all Christ’s enemies.
The Issue of Power in the Church
In light of the biblical theme of power, believers must exercise discernment in how power operates—both positively and negatively—within the Christian community. On the positive side, the Gospel offers a radically upside-down vision of leadership through sacrificial service, humility, and putting others’ interests first after the example of Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:25-28). The Holy Spirit empowers each believer with gifts for serving others, and every member has a valuable role (1 Corinthians 12:7). Authority in the Church should emulate Christ through care, accountability, and seeking the lost.
However, the New Testament also warns of the ever-present dangers of abusive uses of power. Church leaders can become authoritarian and protective of their prestige (3 John 1:9-10). Knowledge can be wielded in loveless and divisive ways (1 Corinthians 8:1). Even spiritual gifts can become a source of personal pride rather than serving the body (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). Power in ministry should always reflect the mindset of Jesus who came to serve, heal, forgive, restore, and sacrifice for the sake of others.
Living in God’s Power and Purpose
The biblical theme of power has deeply practical implications for how believers live in light of God’s purposes. Accessing resurrection power starts with being born again by the Spirit through faith in Christ and submitting every dimension of life to His Lordship. Daily dependence on the Holy Spirit’s presence and praying in Jesus’ name are essential to walking in supernatural strength and authority. Appropriating God’s power also requires diligently abiding in Scripture, pursuing holiness, serving sacrificially, giving thanks in all circumstances, and joining with other believers in the life of the Church.
Every believer has a holy calling to use gifts and abilities to promote healing, justice, love, and the saving message of the Gospel on earth for God’s glory. Fulfilling this mission requires embracing weakness and complete reliance on the Spirit’s power working within human frailty (2 Corinthians 4:7-10). As children of the Risen King, Christians have the astounding privilege and purpose of displaying His indestructible life, defeating the powers of darkness, and delivering people from bondage into the freedom and hope of Christ’s Kingdom. That Kingdom breaks in whenever the Spirit empowers another miracle of transformed life through the Gospel.
Conclusion
In summary, the Greek word dunamis carries a nuanced range of meaning related to power and capability. The Bible applies dunamis to God’s miraculous power, moral authority, natural strength, delegated dominion, and more. All true power originates from God and finds its highest expression in Christ’s resurrection, the Gospel, the Holy Spirit at work in the Church, and the hope of new creation. For the believer, dunamis means embracing empowerment from above to live out our God-given mission and eternal destiny with confidence and joy. The Triune God of awesome dunamis work in, through, and around us for His glory.