When any one considers a word, this word must be considered in the context in which it is used. The word can then be discerned of the meaning, which the author had intended. Word can have different meanings. Let us consider the word “power.”
First when dealing with different languages it is not always easy to translate from one language into another. The word “love” comes to mind for illustration. In English this word has several different meanings. We have others words that could come under the heading of love. The word, “charity” is an example. In the Greek language there are different words that are translated “love.” There is the word “agapao” and there is the word, “phileo.” (These examples come from Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.) These words are used to express different feelings that one is to have for others that are lost when translated into English. “Agapao” is the highest form of love, while “phileo” is used of brotherly love.
There are two Greek words that are translated “power” into English. One is the word “dunamis.” According to Vine it means, “ability, or might” and is used also figuratively. This word is the word from which we get our word, “dynamite.” This is the word that is translated “power” in Romans 1:16. This passage reads, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The Gospel is given by God to save man. The Gospel has the “ability or might” to save man. (If you do not have a copy of Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words then it would be well worth your time and expense to obtain one. This dictionary is included in many basic Bible programs that one could buy. Just make sure the Bible program you buy has it included in the program.)
Another Greek word that is translated into English as “power” is “exousia” (These words are being transliterated. That means that the Greek letters are being transferred into English, letter for letter.) This word has to do with “freedom of action, right to act.” Vine’s also tells us to look up the words, “authority” or “principality.” This is the word that is used in Matthew 28:18 where, “Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” The American Standard Version of 1901 has “authority” where the King James Version has “power.”
There are other words in the Greek language that are translated into our word “power.” These words are the all nouns that are translated into our word “power.” There are also some adjectives that are translated power, but these words are akin to the nouns and would have basically the same meanings as their counterparts.
When we are studying a passage of scripture, and are trying to come to a knowledge of what it means, these meanings and differences must be studied to come to a complete meaning of the verse. Consider this passage, “And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” Now what does the word “power,” mean in this passage? With a little research the students finds that the word, “power” in Romans 1:4 comes from “dunamis.” Since we can supply the meaning of the word for the word the passage still ought to make sense when this is done. Let us see, “And declared to be the Son of God with might or ability, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” The resurrection was the crowning note that proved Him to be the Son of God.
This ought to help us when we study the Bible. We are to make sure we are using the right word with the right definition to have the proper understanding of the Bible. Careful and complete study of the Bible is necessary. This is what 2 Timothy 2:15 is all about. We are to study to show ourselves approved unto God. This means that we are never to give up studying our Bibles! We can still grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ no matter what our age!
Love, Keith
