Question 1

What does "Power" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Power" means "political authority." The supernatural capability. 'Ye shall receive dynamis' was not 'you will gain political authority' but 'you will receive supernatural capability to do what no human can do on their own.' The gospel as 'the power of God' meant it was not an idea but a force -- the active, transformative, death-defeating energy of God unleashed.

Question 2

Why did the word "Power" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Greek dynamis ('inherent capability/miraculous force/the ability to do what is impossible by natural means') was politicized into 'authority over others.' Power became domination rather than divine capability. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by still used but politicized (~1800).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Power"?

Accepted Answer

"Power" was replaced by: "authority" (though this positional; dynamis was inherent capability -- the power that raised christ from the dead); "control" (though this domination; dynamis was enabling force, not controlling force); "influence" (though this social capital; dynamis was supernatural ability to do the humanly impossible).

What Does “Power” Mean in the Bible?

What Was Lost

Unlock all 57+ study tools

Related KJV Words