pou'-er: This word, indicative of might, strength, force, is used in the Old Testament to render very many Hebrew terms, the translation in numerous instances being varied in the Revised Version (British and American) to words like "valor," "rule," "strength," "might," "dominion." The principal words for "power" in the New Testament are dunamis, and exousia. In the latter case the Revised Version (British and American) frequently changes to "authority" (Mark 3:15; 6:7; Ephesians 1:21, etc.) or "right" (Romans 9:21; 1 Corinthians 9:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:9, etc.). Power is attributed preeminently to God (1 Chronicles 29:11; Job 26:14; Psalms 66:7; 145:11; Revelation 7:12, etc.). On this attribute of power of God, see OMNIPOTENCE . The supreme manifestation of the power, as of the wisdom and love of God, is in redemption (1 Corinthians 1:18,24). The preaching of the gospel is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:5, etc.). Miracles, as "mighty works," are denoted by the term "powers" (so Matthew 11:21,23 the Revised Version margin, etc.). The end of all time's developments is that God takes to Him His great power and reigns (Revelation 11:17).

James Orr

From the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Edited by James Orr, published in 1939 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

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