δύναμις

Dúnamis is a broad Greek term with a wide semantic range, encompassing various forms of power, ability, and strength. It can refer to physical strength, inherent capability, influence, or the dynamic energy that produces a particular effect. In the New Testament, dúnamis often carries the connotation of supernatural power, particularly the power of God or the Holy Spirit, which enables miracles, signs, and wonders. This divine dúnamis is foundational to the Christian understanding of God's active presence in the world and the transformative impact of the Gospel.

While dúnamis can describe human ability or potential, its most significant theological weight comes from its association with divine action. It is the power by which God creates, sustains, and redeems. It is also the power by which Jesus performed miracles and ultimately conquered death, and by which believers are empowered for service and witness. The emphasis is on efficacious power—power that accomplishes something tangible and impactful, often beyond human capacity. Thus, it often refers to actual manifestations of divine power.

In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), dúnamis is used to translate several Hebrew terms related to strength, might, and military force. This background informs its New Testament usage, connecting it to the omnipotence of God and the demonstrations of His might throughout salvation history. In the New Testament, dúnamis is particularly prominent in descriptions of Jesus's ministry, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the eschatological display of God's sovereignty. It underlines the belief that the kingdom of God is not just a concept but a dynamic reality demonstrated through powerful acts.