Understanding δυναμόω (dunamoō) Strong’s G1412: The Divine Empowerment that Strengthens Believers with God’s Supernatural Might

Pronunciation Guide: doo-nam-AH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1412: Δυναμόω (dunamoō) refers to the act of empowering, strengthening, or enabling someone with divine power. It signifies the impartation of supernatural ability that transcends human limitations. This word conveys the process by which God infuses His own divine strength into believers, enabling them to accomplish what would otherwise be impossible through merely human effort.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: δύναμις (dunamis, G1411) – power, might, strength, ability
• Language Origin: Koine Greek
• Primary Usage: Epistolary (letters), particularly in contexts of spiritual empowerment and divine enablement
• Frequency: Rare in the New Testament (appearing only once)
• Voice: Active, Middle, and Passive forms exist

Δυναμόω Morphology:

• δυναμόω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I empower/strengthen
• δυναμοῖς (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you empower/strengthen
• δυναμοῖ (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it empowers/strengthens
• δυναμούμεθα (present passive indicative, 1st person plural) – we are being empowered/strengthened
• δυναμοῦσθε (present passive indicative, 2nd person plural) – you are being empowered/strengthened
• ἐδυναμώθην (aorist passive indicative, 1st person singular) – I was empowered/strengthened

Origin & History

The verb δυναμόω derives from the noun δύναμις (dunamis), which had significant usage in classical Greek literature. In ancient Greek writings, particularly those of Xenophon and Thucydides, δύναμις referred to military might, political influence, or natural forces. The concept embodied the idea of inherent capacity or strength that could be harnessed and deployed.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, forms of δύναμις appear frequently as translations of Hebrew words like כֹּחַ (koach) and גְּבוּרָה (gevurah), which denote strength, power, and might. However, the specific verbal form δυναμόω is rare in the LXX, appearing only in passages like Ecclesiastes 10:10, where it refers to giving strength or advantage. This scarcity highlights the specialized nature of δυναμόω as denoting a particular kind of empowerment.

By the time of the New Testament, δυναμόω had developed a more specific theological significance. The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen and Chrysostom, expanded on this concept, using δυναμόω to describe the supernatural empowerment believers receive from the Holy Spirit, especially in contexts of spiritual warfare and ministry.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To make strong, strengthen, or empower from within
• To invigorate with supernatural ability beyond natural capacity
• To fortify with divine power for specific purposes or tasks
• To enable someone to perform beyond their inherent limitations
• To infuse with might derived from a divine source

Δυναμόω Translation Options:

• Strengthen – Emphasizes the reinforcement of existing capabilities, highlighting how God builds upon our natural abilities
• Empower – Captures the transference of authority or ability from one (God) to another (believer)
• Enable – Focuses on the facilitation aspect, how divine intervention makes possible what was previously impossible
• Invigorate – Highlights the renewal of energy and vitality that comes through divine empowerment
• Fortify – Stresses the protective strengthening that prepares believers for spiritual challenges

Biblical Usage

Remarkably, δυναμόω appears only once in the New Testament, in Colossians 1:11, where Paul prays that believers would be “strengthened [δυναμούμενοι] with all power according to His glorious might.” This singular occurrence underscores its specialized significance. In this context, Paul employs the present passive participle form, indicating an ongoing process of being empowered by God rather than a one-time event.

While the specific verb δυναμόω is rare, the concept it represents permeates Scripture through related terms from the same word family, particularly the noun δύναμις (dunamis). This concept appears in passages like Ephesians 3:16, where Paul prays that believers would be strengthened with power through God’s Spirit in their inner being, and 2 Timothy 1:7, which states that God has given us a spirit of power.

• “Being strengthened [δυναμούμενοι] with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” Colossians 1:11

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, power (δύναμις) was primarily associated with military might, political authority, or the supernatural abilities of the gods. Citizens were acutely aware of power hierarchies, with the emperor at the apex of human authority. Within this cultural framework, Paul’s use of δυναμόω introduced a radical concept—divine power accessible to ordinary believers regardless of social status or position.

The Jewish context adds another layer of understanding. In Hebrew thought, to be strengthened by God often carried messianic implications. The Spirit’s empowerment was associated with the promised Messiah and the age to come. When early Jewish believers encountered the concept of being “δυναμούμενοι” (strengthened/empowered), they would have recognized it as fulfillment of prophetic expectations about the messianic age, where believers would be clothed with power from on high. This connection is powerfully illustrated in the Day of Pentecost narrative in Acts 2, where the disciples were empowered (though a different Greek term is used) to speak and minister with supernatural ability.

Theological Significance

The concept of δυναμόω fundamentally challenges human self-sufficiency and pride. It establishes that true spiritual accomplishment comes not through human effort or ability, but through divine empowerment. This theological truth places the focus squarely on God’s grace rather than human achievement, reinforcing the message that “apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Moreover, δυναμόω reveals a profound aspect of God’s character—His desire not merely to command us, but to empower us. Unlike earthly authorities who often demand performance without providing means, our God supplies the very power needed to accomplish what He calls us to do. This demonstrates יהוה’s generous nature and His intimate involvement in our spiritual growth. The Messiah Jesus doesn’t stand at a distance issuing commands; He comes alongside us, and more importantly, lives within us through His Spirit, infusing us with His own divine strength.

This concept also illuminates the trinitarian nature of divine empowerment. The Father initiates the empowerment, the Son mediates it through His victorious work, and the Holy Spirit actualizes it in the believer’s life. Through this divine strengthening, we experience not just enhanced human abilities, but participation in the very power that raised the Messiah from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20).

Personal Application

Understanding δυναμόω fundamentally transforms our approach to spiritual challenges and ministry opportunities. When facing situations that overwhelm us—whether personal temptations, difficult relationships, or kingdom assignments—we no longer need to rely solely on our limited human resources. Instead, we can actively position ourselves to receive divine empowerment, acknowledging our weakness while simultaneously affirming God’s unlimited strength.

Practically speaking, this means approaching prayer not merely as presenting requests to God, but as a means of receiving His empowerment. It means viewing Scripture not just as instruction, but as a conduit of divine enablement. And perhaps most importantly, it means approaching each day with the expectation that God desires to strengthen us supernaturally for whatever He has called us to. The promise of being “δυναμούμενοι” invites us to live beyond merely human capabilities and to experience the exhilarating reality of being vessels through which divine power flows.

Related Words

• δύναμις (dunamis) [DOO-na-mis] – power, might, strength, ability; refers to the inherent power itself rather than the act of empowering. This is the root noun from which δυναμόω derives. See G1411
• ἐνδυναμόω (endunamoō) [en-doo-nam-AH-oh] – to empower, strengthen, make strong; a compound form with the prefix ἐν (in/within), emphasizing internal strengthening. This word appears more frequently in the New Testament than the simple form δυναμόω. See G1743
• κράτος (kratos) [KRAH-tos] – might, power, dominion; emphasizes ruling power or dominion rather than enabling power. Often used to describe God’s sovereign strength. See G2904
• ἰσχύς (ischus) [is-KHOOS] – strength, might, ability; focuses more on inherent physical or mental strength rather than imparted supernatural power. See G2479
• ἐξουσία (exousia) [ex-oo-SEE-ah] – authority, right, permission; emphasizes the legitimate right to exercise power rather than the power itself. See G1849

Did you Know?

• The English word “dynamite” derives from the same Greek root as δυναμόω. However, it would be anachronistic to read this modern connection back into the biblical text. When Paul wrote about being empowered (δυναμούμενοι), he wasn’t thinking of explosives but of the supernatural ability God provides that far exceeds any human or mechanical force.
• In ancient Greek medical writings, particularly those attributed to Hippocrates and Galen, forms of δύναμις were used to describe the body’s natural healing capacity or the potency of medicinal remedies. This parallels the spiritual application in Scripture, where divine δύναμις restores and heals the soul beyond natural recovery methods.
• The concept embedded in δυναμόω reflects a foundational difference between Judaism/Christianity and many other ancient religious systems. While pagan worshippers performed rituals hoping to manipulate divine powers for their benefit, the biblical model presents God freely empowering His people from within, transforming them to participate in His purposes rather than bending divine power to human wishes.

Remember This

To be δυναμούμενοι is to experience God’s exponential empowerment—where our “little” is multiplied by His “much,” enabling us to stand firm in trials and accomplish the seemingly impossible for His glory.