Brief Overview of ἐξουσία (Strong’s G1849: exousía)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies as it unveils the depth of meaning and cultural context embedded in the original texts. The Greek word ἐξουσία (exousía) is particularly significant because it encompasses the concepts of authority, power, and freedom of choice. This word is frequently used in the New Testament, where it conveys various nuances of authority, whether divine, human, or spiritual. Its understanding helps in interpreting the dynamics of power and authority in both ancient Greek culture and early Christian theology.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐξουσία, transliterated as exousía [ex-ou-SEE-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔξεστι (éxesti), meaning “it is lawful” or “it is permitted.” The prefix ἐξ- (ex-, “out of”) and οὐσία (ousía, “being” or “essence”) combine to convey the sense of “the right or power to act.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine; first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Authority or power
• Right or privilege
• Freedom or liberty of action
• Jurisdiction or dominion
• Control or influence

Similar Words: ἐξουσία (exousía) is closely related to the word δύναμις (dýnamis) [DOO-na-mis], which means “power” or “might.” While δύναμις emphasizes inherent strength or ability, ἐξουσία focuses on the authority or right to exercise power. Another related word is ἀρχή (archē) [ar-KHAY], meaning “beginning” or “rule,” which can also refer to a position of authority, such as a ruler or a governing body.

Further Insights: The noun ἐξουσία belongs to the first declension, with its endings varying based on case, number, and gender. Here is the declension chart for ἐξουσία in the singular and plural forms:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: BDAG defines ἐξουσία as “authority, power, or freedom.” It notes that the term is used to denote different types of authority, including divine authority, legal rights, and personal freedom. The lexicon also points out that ἐξουσία is often contrasted with δύναμις to distinguish between the right to act and the ability to do so.

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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon explains ἐξουσία as “the power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases.” It is used in various contexts to refer to the authority of kings, magistrates, or spiritual powers, highlighting its range of meanings from legal jurisdiction to spiritual dominion.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary describes ἐξουσία as a term that encompasses “freedom, permission, and authority.” Vine notes that it is commonly used in the New Testament to indicate divine authority given by God to His messengers and to Christ Himself.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broad perspective on ἐξουσία, showing its use in classical Greek literature to indicate control, liberty, and authority, often in political and philosophical texts. It emphasizes the term’s role in describing political power, jurisdiction, and social influence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance defines ἐξουσία as “privilege, force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery.” It underscores the term’s frequent use in the New Testament to describe both temporal and spiritual authority.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 28:18: “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power (ἐξουσία) is given unto me in heaven and in earth.”
• John 1:12: “But as many as received him, to them gave he power (ἐξουσίαν) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”
• Luke 10:19: “Behold, I give unto you power (ἐξουσίαν) to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
• Romans 13:1: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers (ἐξουσίαις). For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”
• 1 Corinthians 8:9: “But take heed lest by any means this liberty (ἐξουσία) of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐξουσία (G1849: exousía)

The Greek noun ἐξουσία (Strong’s G1849) translates to “authority,” “power,” or “right.” It is a central concept in the New Testament that conveys various types of authority, ranging from divine authority to human jurisdiction. In classical Greek literature, ἐξουσία often relates to political power or control, whereas in the Septuagint and New Testament, it encompasses broader meanings, including spiritual authority, personal liberty, and divinely granted rights. Understanding ἐξουσία provides essential insights into the dynamics of power, control, and liberty in both biblical and ancient Greek contexts.

Did You Know?

The word ἐξουσία is often associated with the authority given by God to Jesus and His disciples in the New Testament. It is also the root word for the term “exousia,” which has been used in philosophical and theological discussions to denote divine authority and power in various Christian doctrines.