Authority and Power in Context

Editorial article: This study material is separate from the translated Scripture text.

Two Greek Entries

Exousia (G1849) and dunamis (G1411) are both sometimes represented by power in the KJV. Their ranges differ, but an English gloss must fit each occurrence.

Exousia

Authority, right, permission, or freedom of action. A passage can describe authority being given, but delegated is not part of every occurrence's meaning.

Dunamis

Power, strength, or ability; in some contexts, miraculous power or a mighty act. Explosive is not a universal lexical definition.

Luke 10:19

Jesus speaks of authority given to his disciples and the enemy's power. This passage illustrates a contextual distinction without defining every use elsewhere.

Translation and Application

Claims about how a believer should exercise authority are theological interpretation. They should be argued from passages and identified as commentary.

Reader Notes

The glossary offers related entries, not a verified word alignment. Read the verse and its surrounding argument before choosing a sense.

A distinction between words helps study when it respects each passage. It should not impose the same expanded formula throughout Scripture.