Understanding δύναμις (dunamis) Strong’s G1411: The Divine Power that Performs Miracles and Reveals God’s Strength

Pronunciation Guide: doo’-nam-is (with emphasis on the first syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1411: δύναμις (dunamis) refers to inherent power, ability, or strength residing in a person or thing by virtue of its nature. In the New Testament, it often denotes the supernatural power of God manifested in mighty works, miracles, and spiritual gifts. The word conveys not merely potential power, but power in action—the divine energy and authority by which God accomplishes His purposes.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun (3rd declension)
• Root: From δύναμαι (dunamai), meaning “to be able” or “to have power”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Usage Context: Found in narrative accounts of Yeshua’s miracles, doctrinal teachings about God’s power, and descriptions of spiritual gifts
• Semantic Field: Strength, capability, supernatural power, authority, mighty works

δύναμις Morphology:

• δύναμις (nominative singular) – power, strength
• δυνάμεως (genitive singular) – of power
• δυνάμει (dative singular) – with/by power
• δύναμιν (accusative singular) – power (direct object)
• δυνάμεις (nominative plural) – powers, miracles
• δυνάμεων (genitive plural) – of powers
• δυνάμεσι(ν) (dative plural) – with/by powers
• δυνάμεις (accusative plural) – powers (direct object)

Origin & History

The term δύναμις has a rich history in Greek thought and literature. In classical Greek, it was used by philosophers like Aristotle to describe potential or inherent ability, distinguishing it from ἐνέργεια (energeia), which referred to actual operation or realization of that potential. In Plato’s works, particularly in “The Republic,” δύναμις refers to the capacity or faculty of the soul. The historian Thucydides employed it to describe military strength and capability.

In the Septuagint (LXX), δύναμις translated several Hebrew terms, most notably חַיִל (chayil, “strength,” “wealth,” “army”) and כֹּחַ (koach, “strength,” “power”). This bridged the concept from classical Greek into Jewish theological understanding, often describing the power of יהוה (Yahweh) manifested in creation, deliverance, and provision. By the time of the New Testament, the term had acquired significant theological weight, particularly in describing the supernatural deeds of God. The early Church Fathers, including Justin Martyr in his “Dialogue with Trypho” and Origen in “Against Celsus,” developed the concept further, applying it specifically to the power demonstrated in the life and ministry of the Messiah and subsequently in the apostolic community.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Divine Power – The supernatural ability and energy flowing from God to accomplish His will
• Inherent Strength – The intrinsic capacity or ability within something or someone
• Miracle – A supernatural manifestation of God’s power that transcends natural law
• Authority – The legitimate right and ability to exercise control or influence
• Force – An elemental or fundamental energy that produces change or movement

δύναμις Translation Options:

• Power – Most common translation, emphasizing the capability to act with force and effectiveness
• Miracle – Appropriate when referring to supernatural manifestations of divine power (often used in plural form δυνάμεις)
• Strength – Fitting when emphasizing the capacity to endure or resist
• Ability – Useful when highlighting the intrinsic capacity to perform an action
• Mighty Work – Combines both the power and its visibly demonstrated effect

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δύναμις appears approximately 120 times. Its first appearance is in Matthew 6:13, where it concludes the Lord’s Prayer: “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” This establishes δύναμις as a fundamental attribute of God’s sovereignty. Throughout the Gospels, the term frequently describes Yeshua’s miracles as demonstrations of divine authorization and authority. In Paul’s epistles, δύναμις takes on additional theological dimensions, referring to the power of the resurrection, the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, and the effective operation of the gospel message.

The Septuagint uses δύναμις to translate several Hebrew terms related to strength, particularly in descriptions of God’s mighty acts in Israel’s history. This connection between the Hebrew Scriptures and Greek New Testament underscores the continuity of God’s self-revelation as the One whose power accomplishes both creation and redemption.

• “For Yours is the kingdom and the power [δύναμις] and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6:13
• “And the power [δύναμις] of the Lord was present for Him to heal.” Luke 5:17
• “But you will receive power [δύναμις] when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses.” Acts 1:8
• “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power [δύναμις] of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Romans 1:16
• “And God has both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power [δύναμις].” 1 Corinthians 6:14
• “That I may know Him and the power [δύναμις] of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings.” Philippians 3:10
• “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power [δύναμις] and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, δύναμις had significant cultural implications. The demonstration of power was a central feature of public life, whether in political authority, military might, or religious practice. The Roman Empire’s self-presentation emphasized its δύναμις through monumental architecture, military conquests, and the imperial cult. Against this backdrop, the New Testament’s use of δύναμις to describe Yeshua’s ministry presented a radical counter-narrative: true power was not found in domination but in service, not in inflicting suffering but in healing.

In Jewish cultural context, the concept of God’s power (גְּבוּרָה, gevurah) was especially significant. Jewish apocalyptic literature of the period described the coming of the Messiah as accompanied by demonstrations of divine power that would overthrow oppressors and vindicate Israel. The Messiah’s authority would be authenticated by signs and wonders (אוֹתוֹת וּמוֹפְתִים, otot u’moftim). When Yeshua performed miracles (δυνάμεις), these were understood not merely as humanitarian acts but as fulfillments of messianic expectations and evidence of divine endorsement. His healings, exorcisms, and nature miracles were “signs of the times” that announced the in-breaking of God’s kingdom and the defeat of demonic powers that had held creation in bondage.

Theological Significance

The concept of δύναμις stands at the heart of biblical theology, revealing God’s character as the omnipotent Creator and Redeemer. Unlike pagan deities whose power was limited to specific domains, יהוה (Yahweh) exercises unrestricted δύναμις over all creation, from the cosmic scale of galaxies to the microscopic realm of atoms. This divine power is never arbitrary or capricious but always aligned with God’s perfect wisdom, justice, and love.

In Yeshua the Messiah, divine δύναμις took on human form. His ministry revealed that God’s power operates not through coercion or intimidation but through compassion and self-sacrifice. The apparent weakness of the cross became the supreme demonstration of divine δύναμις, overcoming sin, death, and evil not through violence but through redemptive love. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power [δύναμις] of God.”

The New Testament further develops this theology by emphasizing that the same δύναμις that raised Yeshua from the dead now operates in believers through the Holy Spirit. Spiritual transformation, effective ministry, and victory over temptation are all attributed to this indwelling power. Unlike human power that diminishes with use, divine δύναμις increases as it is exercised in dependence on God, making the impossible possible and enabling ordinary people to live extraordinary lives that glorify the Messiah.

Personal Application

Understanding δύναμις invites us to examine our own relationship with power. In a world obsessed with gaining and maintaining control, Yeshua calls His followers to a paradoxical path: surrendering to God’s power rather than grasping for our own. When we acknowledge our weakness and insufficiency, we create space for His δύναμις to work through us. As Paul discovered, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power [δύναμις] is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

This divine power is not abstract or theoretical but practically available for daily living. When facing challenges beyond our capabilities, ethical dilemmas that test our resolve, or ministry opportunities that intimidate us, we can access the same δύναμις that empowered the early disciples. Through prayer, Scripture meditation, and faithful obedience, we position ourselves to experience God’s supernatural strength. The question is not whether God’s power is sufficient—it always is—but whether we will trust Him enough to step out in faith, expecting His δύναμις to meet us in our moment of need.

Related Words

• ἐξουσία (exousia) – ex-oo-SEE-ah – Authority or right; focuses on the legitimate right to exercise power, whereas δύναμις emphasizes the inherent ability to accomplish something. Exousia often indicates delegated authority or the power of choice and decision. See G1849
• ἰσχύς (ischys) – is-KHOOS – Strength or might; refers more to bodily strength, vigor, or endurance rather than operative power. While δύναμις emphasizes power in action, ischys focuses on the possession of strength. See G2479
• κράτος (kratos) – KRAH-tos – Dominion or manifested power; denotes power that prevails over resistance or opposition. It is often used of God’s sovereign, overwhelming might, whereas δύναμις can describe power at various scales. See G2904
• ἐνέργεια (energeia) – en-ER-gei-ah – Working or operational power; describes power specifically in its active operation or effectiveness. While closely related to δύναμις, energeia focuses more on the actual working or manifestation of power. See G1753
• δυνατός (dunatos) – doo-nah-TOS – Mighty or powerful; the adjectival form derived from the same root as δύναμις, describing one who possesses power or something that is possible because of available power. See G1415

Did you Know?

• The English word “dynamite” derives from δύναμις, though it’s important to note that this modern invention would have been unknown to Biblical writers. When Paul speaks of the gospel as “the power of God” in Romans 1:16, he’s not referring to an explosive, destructive force but to God’s active, transformative energy. This etymology nonetheless provides a helpful memory aid for understanding the inherent explosive potential of God’s power to break through seemingly immovable obstacles.
• In ancient Jewish interpretation, particularly in rabbinic literature, God’s power (gevurah) was so closely associated with His essence that it became one of the divine names. In the Mishnah and Talmud, references to “Ha-Gevurah” (The Power) are euphemisms for God Himself. This linguistic practice reflects the theological understanding that God’s power is not merely something He possesses but is integral to His very being—a concept that illuminates the New Testament’s attribution of δύναμις to Yeshua as evidence of His divine nature.
• In early Christian healing sanctuaries, particularly those dedicated to saints like Cosmas and Damian, the term δύναμις was inscribed on amulets and walls as a recognition that all healing power comes from God. These artifacts, dating from the 4th-6th centuries CE, demonstrate how the biblical concept of divine power shaped early Christian medical practice, creating a distinctive approach that integrated prayer, ritual, and natural remedies while acknowledging God as the ultimate source of healing δύναμις.

Remember This

δύναμις is not merely a force to be witnessed or a concept to be studied but the very energy of God available to transform lives, accomplish His purposes, and display His glory through vessels of clay who trust in His unlimited capabilities rather than their limited strength.