Power (Dunamis)
δύναμις (dunamis)
Inherent capability and mighty force — the power that accomplishes the impossible.
Dunamis is the Greek word for power, meaning inherent ability, mighty force, and miraculous energy. It is the root of 'dynamite' and 'dynamic,' describing the power of God that raised Christ, transforms lives, and empowers mission.
"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me." — Acts 1:8 (KJV)
Key Verses
Acts 1:8
“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me.”Read in context
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”Read in context
Ephesians 1:19-20
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G1411 — Power (Dunamis) (δύναμις (dunamis))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where δύναμις (dunamis) appears.
Open Strong's G1411Etymology and Original Meaning
Dunamis means 'power,' 'ability,' 'force,' or 'might.' It denotes inherent capability — the power to accomplish something. It is the root of English words like dynamite, dynamic, and dynasty. Unlike exousia (authority — the right to act), dunamis is the ability to act — the actual force and energy that makes things happen. It describes not just potential but demonstrated power.
The Power of God
Paul is 'not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power (dunamis) of God unto salvation' (Romans 1:16). The gospel is not just a message but a force — it accomplishes what it declares. The same dunamis that created the universe, parted the Red Sea, and raised Christ from the dead is at work in the gospel. When the gospel is proclaimed, God's power is unleashed.
Resurrection Power
Paul prays that believers would know 'the exceeding greatness of his power (dunamis)... which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead' (Ephesians 1:19-20). The resurrection is the supreme demonstration of divine power — reversing death itself. And this same power is available 'to us-ward who believe.' The power that conquered the grave is the power at work in every believer.
Power for Mission
Jesus promised, 'Ye shall receive power (dunamis) after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses' (Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit's dunamis transforms ordinary people into effective witnesses. It is not human talent, education, or charisma but divine energy that makes the church's mission possible. Pentecost was the day God's dunamis fell on human vessels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does dunamis mean in the Bible?
Dunamis means power, ability, and mighty force — the inherent capability to accomplish the impossible. It describes God's power that raised Christ, saves through the gospel, and empowers believers through the Holy Spirit.
How do believers receive God's power?
Through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). The same power that raised Christ from the dead dwells in believers (Ephesians 1:19-20; Romans 8:11). It is accessed through faith, prayer, and dependence on God rather than self-effort.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Power (Dunamis)"?
Acts 1:8 — "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me" (KJV). It also appears in Romans 1:16, Ephesians 1:19-20.
Why does the Greek word behind "Power (Dunamis)" matter?
Dunamis means 'power,' 'ability,' 'force,' or 'might.' It denotes inherent capability — the power to accomplish something. English uses one word, "Power (Dunamis)", where the Greek δύναμις (dunamis) carries the fuller sense: inherent capability and mighty force — the power that accomplishes the impossible.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Power (Dunamis) (δύναμις (dunamis))
Inherent capability and mighty force — the power that accomplishes the impossible.
Strong's G1411 — Power (Dunamis)
δύναμις (dunamis) • Inherent capability and mighty force — the power that accomplishes the impossible.
The Resurrection Bible Quiz
He is risen indeed — the cornerstone of the Christian faith and the triumph over
Resurrection (ἀνάστασις (Anastasis))
The bodily rising from the dead; Christ's victory over death
Biblical Meaning of Butterflies in a Dream (KJV)
Transformation, new life, and becoming a new creature in Christ.
Biblical Meaning of the Number 3 in a Dream (KJV)
Divine fullness, resurrection, and confirmation.
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