What is the meaning of the Greek word dunamis in the Bible?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The Greek word dunamis generally means power, force, or ability, and it appears over one hundred times in the New Testament. It can describe God’s own power, as when Jesus is said to uphold all things by the word of His power and when creation displays God’s eternal power (Hebrews 1:3; Romans 1:20). Dunamis can also refer to miraculous power or to a miracle itself, such as when Jesus sensed power go out from Him as He healed or when His power over demons amazed the crowds (Mark 5:30; 6:5; Luke 4:36).

Some point out that “dynamite” comes from the same Greek root as dunamis, suggesting the idea of explosive power. While persuasive, the word “dynamite” was coined in the 1800s, long after Scripture was written. Words derive meaning based on their contextual use, and it is illogical to apply a future meaning of a word to a past context. Therefore, it is unlikely that Paul had an explosive force in mind when he called the Gospel the power of God (Romans 1:16). That said, God uses the gospel as His primary means to change people, making it, indeed, very powerful.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• See the New Testament section.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The Greek word dunamis is most often translated as “power,” referring to strength, ability, or might. In the New Testament, it can describe both divine and human capability, though it most often points to the power of God at work in creation, salvation, and miracles. Jesus’ ministry consistently displayed this divine power as He healed the sick, cast out demons, and performed other mighty works that revealed His authority (Mark 5:30; Luke 4:36).
• Paul likewise used the term to speak of the power that raised Christ from the dead and now works in believers through the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19–20). In every case, dunamis describes effective power—God accomplishing His will through His word and Spirit.
• Paul’s well-known statement that the gospel “is the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16) means it is God’s effective way of leading people to faith. The good news of Christ’s death and resurrection carries divine power to forgive sins and provide new life. Unlike worldly forms of power, which rule through domination or destruction, the gospel’s power transforms hearts and brings sinners back to God. In this way, dunamis highlights God’s saving strength working through His revealed truth.
• A common misunderstanding of the word dunamis arises from linking it to the English word dynamite because of a shared Greek root. This connection commits what linguists call the etymological fallacy—applying a word’s later meaning to earlier uses. “Dynamite” was coined in the 1800s, well after the New Testament was written, and its modern sense of explosive power does not reflect how dunamis was used in the first century. Based on the known uses from that time, it is unlikely that Paul intended to mean that the Gospel had an explosive kind of power. Instead, he used it to refer to the steady, unstoppable life-giving power of God working to redeem His people and fulfill His purposes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The Gospel being God’s dunamis reminds us that salvation and spiritual growth depend on God, not our own efforts. It is not the strength of our words, the force of our persuasion, or even the depth of our knowledge that brings someone to faith. God works through the straightforward, faithful telling of the Gospel—through explaining what Jesus accomplished on the cross. When we share that message, the Spirit uses it as His tool to awaken hearts and give life. The same divine power that raised Jesus from the dead now works through the Gospel to forgive, transform, and sustain those who believe. Our task is not to make the Gospel powerful but to proclaim the already powerful Gospel and trust God to use His word as He promised.

For those who have not yet believed, understanding the Gospel is what you need the most. The Gospel declares that all people have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, but that Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world to save sinners. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross to bear sin’s penalty, and rose again so that all who trust in Him would receive forgiveness and eternal life. God calls you to respond in faith—to turn from sin and believe in His Son. The power of the Gospel is that it can make you new, reconciling you to God and giving you a living hope that will never fade.

UNDERSTAND

• Dunamis means power, ability, or might, mainly describing God’s active power.
• Dunamis shows God’s power in miracles, Jesus’ ministry, and the Spirit’s work in believers.
• The Gospel is God’s dunamis, carrying divine power to forgive, transform, and redeem.

REFLECT

• How have you experienced God’s dunamis, or power, working in your life to transform or strengthen you?
• In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God’s power rather than your own abilities?
• How does understanding that the Gospel itself carries God’s dunamis change the way you share your faith with others?

ENGAGE

• How do we see God’s dunamis displayed in the lives of believers today?
• How does recognizing the Gospel as God’s power challenge worldly ideas of strength or success?
• How can we practically depend on the Spirit’s empowering work when facing weaknesses or obstacles in our faith?