δύναμις

From the study of Ephesians 3:16

Range of meaning

δύναμις: power, capability, mighty deed. κραταιόω (from κράτος, 'might, mastery'): to make strong. In the passive it means to become strong, gain strength, or prevail.

Against the English

'Strengthened with might' (KJV) and 'with power' (most modern versions) are accurate. The doubling of power words is deliberate. NLT's 'empower you with inner strength' merges the two words and moves 'inner' from where the strength goes to what kind of strength it is.

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 1:80 and 2:40 use it of John and Jesus as children who 'grew and became strong in spirit.' In 1 Corinthians 16:13 Paul says 'act like men, be strong' (κραταιοῦσθε). The Septuagint uses it in calls to courage, e.g. Psalm 30:25 LXX (31:24): 'Be manly, and let your heart be strengthened.' Ephesians piles up power words elsewhere too: δύναμις, ἐνέργεια, κράτος and ἰσχύς in 1:19, and 'be strong in the Lord and in the might of his strength' in 6:10.

From the study of 1 Corinthians 1:18

Range of meaning

Power, strength, ability, capacity to act; also a mighty deed or miracle (plural dynameis, 1 Cor 12:10), and sometimes a powerful being (Rom 8:38). 'The power of God' is God's effective ability to accomplish his purposes, especially to rescue and to give life (1 Cor 6:14; 2 Cor 13:4, 'he was crucified in weakness but lives by the power of God').

Against the English

'Power' (all versions) is accurate. The common sermon line that dynamis means 'dynamite' runs history backwards; see popular_drift.

Used elsewhere in the period

The LXX often speaks of God's dynamis in his saving acts (e.g., Ps 77:15 [76:16 LXX]; Exod 9:16). Paul pairs the word with the gospel in Rom 1:16 ('the gospel is the power of God for salvation') and with the Spirit in 1 Cor 2:4–5 ('not in persuasive words of wisdom but in demonstration of Spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on God's power').

From the study of Matthew 24:30

Range of meaning

Dynamis: power, ability, might. In the plural it can mean armed forces or heavenly hosts, as in 'powers of the heavens' in 24:29, echoing Isaiah 34:4. Doxa: in ordinary Greek, opinion or reputation. In the Greek Old Testament it translates Hebrew kavod, the 'weight' of honour and the visible radiance of God's presence (Exodus 40:34; Ezekiel 1:28).

Against the English

'Glory' in modern English can be a vague religious word for praise or fame. Here it means visible radiance and royal honour, something that is seen.

How it drifted

'Glory' has worn thin through liturgical overuse, so readers no longer picture blazing light or kingly weight.

Used elsewhere in the period

Daniel 7:14 (Greek): the son of man receives 'authority… and all glory'. Matthew 16:27: 'the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of his Father with his angels'. Matthew 25:31: 'when the Son of Man comes in his glory… he will sit on his glorious throne'.