Powers

Greek Word Pronunciation: DU-na-mis
Strong’s Number: 1411
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 1539
Key Verse: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” -- Romans 1:16

[SEE: Miracles overview]

The Greek word dunamis literally means “strength, power,” or “ability.” This is a description from the standpoint of the power displayed. Power indicates its source as supernatural of God, angels, Christ, or the gospel.

In the Septuagint, dunamis is a translation of 22 different Hebrew terms. In Psalm 84:7, the reference is “from strength to strength” and in 1 Chronicles 29:11, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty.”

Vine’s Dictionary tells us that the word is used “of works of a supernatural origin and character, such as could not be produced by natural agents and means.” Whoever the human instrument might be in the accomplishment (such as an apostle), the mighty power itself is of God alone.

This word appears 119 times in the New Testament and can be translated “miracles” or “mighty works,” as in Matthew 11:21; Acts 8:13; and 19:11. In Romans 15:18-19, Paul writes of “what Christ has accomplished through me ... in the power of signs and wonders …”

Miracles are powers in that they manifest the mighty power of God which was inherent in Christ Himself. According to Wuest: “The gospel is the inherent, omnipotent power of God operating in the salvation of a lost soul that accepts it.”