Listen to this articleOur ability to find certain things in the bible may be limited because of language. English is a translation and some things are lost in translation.
There are different kinds of power which are given to the believers in scripture. It can be helpful to know what these kinds are and how they work.
Consider this verse:
Ephesians 1:17-21 (NKJV)
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints,
19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power [DUNAMIS] toward us who believe, according to the working [ENERGIA] of His mighty [ISKUS] power [KRATOS] 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality and power [EXUSIA] and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.
1. Energia – Actual Working Power – Energy – an outward display of power
Ephesians 3:7 (NKJV) 7 of which I became a minister according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working [ENERGIA] of His power.
1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NKJV)
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. 6 And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works [ENERGIA] all in all.
2. Dunamis – Internal ability that comes from your nature – miracle working power
Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
8 But you shall receive power [DUNAMIS] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you;
Acts 2:22-23 (NKJV)
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles [DUNAMIS] wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him,
3. Ischus – Strength, Might, Ability
2 Peter 2:11 (KJV)
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power [ISCHUS] and might [DUNAMIS] bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
1 Peter 4:11 (NIV)
11 If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength [ISCHUS] God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
4. Kratos – Ruling power, dominion power
Hebrews 2:14 (NKJV) 14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power [KRATOS] of death, that is, the devil,
5. Exousia – Authoritative power
Luke 10:19 (KJV) 19 Behold, I give unto you power [EXUSIA] to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power [DUNAMIS] of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Mathew 10:1 (NKJV)
1 And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power [EXOUSIA] over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Knowing these types of power can help in understanding scriptures such as this:
Ephesians 3:16 (NIV)
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen [KRATAIOO] you with power [DUNAMIS] through his Spirit in your inner being,
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NKJV) 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong [DUNAMIS] in the Lord and in the power [KRATOS] of His might [ISCHUS]. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
STAY BLESSED
