Topical Bible: Powers

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Definition and Context
In biblical terminology, "powers" often refers to spiritual or supernatural forces, authorities, or entities that exert influence over the physical and spiritual realms. The term is frequently used in the New Testament to describe both divine and malevolent forces. It is important to understand "powers" within the broader context of spiritual warfare, divine authority, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

Biblical References

1. Divine Powers
The Bible acknowledges the existence of divine powers, which are manifestations of God's authority and might. These powers are often associated with the Holy Spirit and the miraculous works performed by Jesus and His apostles. In the New Testament, the Greek word "dynamis" is often translated as "power," emphasizing the dynamic and active nature of God's influence in the world.

· Acts 1:8 : "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
· Ephesians 1:19-21 : "and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."

2. Evil Powers
The Bible also speaks of malevolent powers, often associated with Satan and his demonic forces. These powers are depicted as adversaries to God's kingdom, seeking to deceive, oppress, and destroy. The apostle Paul frequently warns believers about these spiritual forces and encourages them to stand firm in their faith.

· Ephesians 6:12 : "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
· Colossians 2:15 : "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross."

3. Human Authorities
In some contexts, "powers" can also refer to human authorities or governments. The Bible instructs believers to respect and submit to these authorities, recognizing that they are established by God for the purpose of maintaining order and justice.

· Romans 13:1 : "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God."

Theological Significance

The concept of "powers" in the Bible underscores the reality of a spiritual dimension that influences the physical world. Believers are called to recognize the authority of divine powers, resist the influence of evil powers, and respect human authorities as ordained by God. The ultimate victory over all powers is assured through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has triumphed over every force of darkness and established His eternal kingdom.
Greek
1411. dunamis -- (miraculous) power, might, strength
... miraculous) power, might, strength NASB Word Usage ability (4), meaning (1), mightily
(1), mighty (1), miracle (2), miracles (17), miraculous powers (3), power ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1411.htm - 8k
1611. ekstasis -- a displacement (of the mind), ie bewilderment ...
... out" in trance-like amazement. This state of mind reaches the powers of
ordinary perception. Word Origin from existemi Definition ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1611.htm - 7k
1404. drakon -- a dragon (a mythical monster)
... used of mythical dragons ( serpents) seeing their prey from far away; (figuratively)
(Rev 12:7,9) exercising his () on (powers) -- ie accomplishing his hellish ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1404.htm - 7k
3534. nikos -- victory
... Mt 12:20; 1 Cor 15:54) -- which conquered all the powers of darkness (sin). Accordingly,
death can exert conquest over the believer (1 Cor 15:55). See 3528 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3534.htm - 7k
652. apostolos -- a messenger, one sent on a mission, an apostle
... apostello; a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a
commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers) -- apostle, messenger ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/652.htm - 7k
2888. kosmokrator -- a ruler of this world
... this world Definition: ruler of this world, that is, of the world as asserting its
independence of God; used of the angelic or demonic powers controlling the ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2888.htm - 7k
5332. pharmakeus -- sorcerer.
... This has a "drugging" effect on the aspiring religious zealot, inducing them to
think they have "special spiritual powers" (that do operate in keeping with ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5332.htm - 6k
5333. pharmakos -- a poisoner, sorcerer, magician
... a sorcerer; used of people using and "religious incantations" to drug people into
living by their -- like having magical (supernatural) powers to manipulate ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5333.htm - 6k
1849. exousia -- power to act, authority
... Word Usage authorities (7), authority (65), charge (1), control (1), domain (2),
dominion (1), jurisdiction (1), liberty (1), power (11), powers (1), right (11 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1849.htm - 8k
Library
Whether all the Powers of the Soul are in the Soul as their ...
... OF THOSE THINGS WHICH BELONG TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUL IN GENERAL (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether all the powers of the soul are in the soul as their subject? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether all the powers of.htm
Whether the Sensitive Powers of Apprehension are the Subject of ...
... OF THE SUBJECT OF VIRTUE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the sensitive powers of
apprehension are the subject of virtue? Objection 1: It ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the sensitive powers of.htm
Whether the Irascible and Concupiscible Powers are the Subject of ...
... OF THE SUBJECT OF VIRTUE (SIX ARTICLES) Whether the irascible and
concupiscible powers are the subject of virtue? Objection 1: It ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the irascible and concupiscible 2.htm
Whether the Powers of the Soul Flow from Its Essence?
... OF THOSE THINGS WHICH BELONG TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUL IN GENERAL (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether the powers of the soul flow from its essence? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the powers of the.htm
Whether among the Powers of the Soul There is Order?
... OF THOSE THINGS WHICH BELONG TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUL IN GENERAL (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether among the powers of the soul there is order? ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether among the powers of.htm
Whether all the Powers Remain in the Soul when Separated from the ...
... OF THOSE THINGS WHICH BELONG TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUL IN GENERAL (EIGHT ARTICLES)
Whether all the powers remain in the soul when separated from the body? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether all the powers remain.htm
Of the Specific Powers of the Soul (Four Articles)
... OF THE SPECIFIC POWERS OF THE SOUL (FOUR ARTICLES). We next treat of the
powers of the soul specifically. The theologian, however ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/of the specific powers of.htm
Whether the Character be Subjected in the Powers of the Soul?
... OF THE OTHER EFFECT OF THE SACRAMENTS, WHICH IS A CHARACTER (SIX ARTICLES)
Whether the character be subjected in the powers of the soul? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the character be subjected.htm
The Powers that be are not Needlessly to be Irritated. ...
... Book I. Chapter XLII. The powers that be are not needlessly to be irritated.?
The powers that be are not needlessly to be irritated. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xlii the powers that.htm
Of those Things which Belong to the Powers of the Soul in General ...
... OF THOSE THINGS WHICH BELONG TO THE POWERS OF THE SOUL IN GENERAL (EIGHT ARTICLES). ...
(3) How the powers of the soul are distinguished from one another? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/of those things which belong.htm
Thesaurus
Powers (43 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Powers (43 Occurrences). ... He is risen from the dead. That
is why these powers work in him." (WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/powers.htm - 20k
Principality (3 Occurrences)
... Revised Version (British and American)) to principalities (the King James Version;
"rulers," the Revised Version (British and American)), and powers" (the King ...
/p/principality.htm - 12k
Principalities (7 Occurrences)
... Romans 8:38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, (WEB KJV ASV ...
/p/principalities.htm - 8k
Keys (2 Occurrences)
... kez I. THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED 1. The Keys; and the Binding and Loosing 2. Meaning
of the Statements 3. How Peter Is Related to These Powers 4. Is the Primary ...
/k/keys.htm - 32k
Miraculous (54 Occurrences)
... Matthew 14:2 and he said to his courtiers, "This is John the Baptist: he has come
back to life--and that is why these miraculous Powers are working in him ...
/m/miraculous.htm - 20k
Authorities (44 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 3:10 concealed in order that the Church might now be used to display to
the powers and authorities in the heavenly realms the innumerable aspects of ...
/a/authorities.htm - 19k
Magus
... This means, at least, that he saw that Philip was able in the name of Jesus Christ
to display powers greater than anything he himself was acquainted with ...
/m/magus.htm - 23k
Varieties (5 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 12:10 to another the exercise of miraculous powers; to another the
gift of prophecy; to another the power of discriminating between prophetic ...
/v/varieties.htm - 8k
Bodies (144 Occurrences)
... after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not
give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens ...
/b/bodies.htm - 37k
Ability (34 Occurrences)
... Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving
service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.' (WEY ...
/a/ability.htm - 18k
Resources
What are principalities and powers? | GotQuestions.org

What is the witching hour, and is it in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Is there any spiritual significance to birthstones? | GotQuestions.org

Powers: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance
Powers (43 Occurrences)
Matthew 13:54
And He came into His own country and proceeded to teach in their synagogue, so that they were filled with astonishment and exclaimed, "Where did he obtain such wisdom, and these wondrous powers?
(WEY NAS NIV)
Matthew 14:2
and said to his servants, "This is John the Baptizer. He is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in him."
(WEB WEY ASV BBE NAS RSV NIV)
Matthew 16:18
I also tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades
(See RSV)
Matthew 24:29
But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken;
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)
Mark 6:14
King Herod heard this, for his name had become known, and he said, "John the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in him."
(WEB ASV BBE YLT NAS RSV NIV)
Mark 13:25
the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)
Luke 12:11
And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:
(KJV WBS)
Luke 21:26
men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV)
Acts 8:11
And they gave attention to him, because for a long time his wonder-working powers had kept them under his control.
(BBE)
Romans 4:19
And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's barrenness.
(WEY)
Romans 8:38
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,
(WEB KJV ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)
Romans 13:1
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
(KJV ASV BBE WBS)
1 Corinthians 12:10
to another the exercise of miraculous powers; to another the gift of prophecy; to another the power of discriminating between prophetic utterances; to another varieties of the gift of 'tongues;' to another the interpretation of tongues.
(WEY NIV)
1 Corinthians 12:28
And by God's appointment there are in the Church--first Apostles, secondly Prophets, thirdly teachers. Then come miraculous powers, and then ability to cure diseases or render loving service, or powers of organization, or varieties of the gift of 'tongues.'
(WEY BBE DBY YLT)
1 Corinthians 12:29
Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all in possession of miraculous powers?
(DBY YLT)
1 Corinthians 12:30
Have all miraculous powers? Have all ability to cure diseases? Do all speak in 'tongues'? Do all interpret?
(WEY)
1 Corinthians 13:2
And if I have a prophet's power, and have knowledge of all secret things; and if I have all faith, by which mountains may be moved from their place, but have not love, I am nothing.
(See RSV)
Galatians 3:1
O foolish Galatians, by what strange powers have you been tricked, to whom it was made clear that Jesus Christ was put to death on the cross?
(BBE)
Galatians 5:20
Worship of images, use of strange powers, hates, fighting, desire for what another has, angry feelings, attempts to get the better of others, divisions, false teachings,
(BBE)
Ephesians 2:2
which were once habitual to you while you walked in the ways of this world and obeyed the Prince of the powers of the air, the spirits that are now at work in the hearts of the sons of disobedience--to you God has given Life.
(WEY ASV)
Ephesians 3:10
to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,
(WEB KJV WEY ASV WBS RSV)
Ephesians 6:12
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS NAS RSV NIV)
Philippians 4:7
And then the peace of God, which transcends all our powers of thought, will be a garrison to guard your hearts and minds in union with Christ Jesus.
(WEY)
Colossians 1:16
For by him all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS NIV)
Colossians 2:15
having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.
(WEB KJV ASV BBE WBS RSV NIV)
Titus 3:1
Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
(KJV WBS)
Hebrews 2:4
God also bearing witness with them, both by signs and wonders, and by manifold powers, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will.
(ASV BBE YLT)
Hebrews 6:5
and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)
1 Peter 3:22
who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)
Revelation 18:23
And never again will the shining of lights be seen in you; and the voice of the newly-married man and the bride will never again be sounding in you: for your traders were the lords of the earth, and by your evil powers were all the nations turned out of the right way.
(BBE)
Revelation 21:8
But those who are full of fear and without faith, the unclean and takers of life, those who do the sins of the flesh, and those who make use of evil powers or who give worship to images, and all those who are false, will have their part in the sea of ever-burning fire which is the second death.
(BBE)
Revelation 22:15
Outside are the dogs, and those who make use of evil powers, those who make themselves unclean, and the takers of life, and those who give worship to images, and everyone whose delight is in what is false.
(BBE)
Exodus 22:18
Any woman using unnatural powers or secret arts is to be put to death.
(BBE)
2 Chronicles 33:6
More than this, he made his children go through the fire in the valley of the son of Hinnom; and he made use of secret arts, and signs for reading the future, and unnatural powers, and gave positions to those who had control of spirits and to wonder-workers: he did much evil in the eyes of the Lord, moving him to wrath.
(BBE)
Psalms 47:9
The rulers of the peoples have come together, with the people of the God of Abraham; because the powers of the earth are God's: he is lifted up on high.
(BBE)
Psalms 58:5
Who will not be moved by the voice of the wonder-worker, however great are his powers.
(BBE)
Psalms 139:6
Such knowledge is a wonder greater than my powers; it is so high that I may not come near it.
(BBE)
Isaiah 3:3
The captain of fifty, and the man of high position, and the wise guide, and the wonder-worker, and he who makes use of secret powers.
(BBE)
Isaiah 3:20
The head-bands, and the arm-chains, and the worked bands, and the perfume-boxes, and the jewels with secret powers,
(BBE)
Isaiah 24:21
And in that day the Lord will send punishment on the army of the high ones on high, and on the kings of the earth on the earth.
(See NIV)
Daniel 2:2
Then the king gave orders that the wonder-workers, and the users of secret arts, and those who made use of evil powers, and the Chaldaeans, were to be sent for to make clear to the king his dreams. So they came and took their places before the king.
(BBE)
Daniel 4:35
All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and he does according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand, or ask him, What are you doing?
(See NIV)
Daniel 7:27
And the kingdom and the authority and the power of the kingdoms under all the heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: his kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and all powers will be his servants and do his pleasure.
(BBE)
Subtopics
Powers
Powers and Principalities
Related Terms
Principality (3 Occurrences)
Principalities (7 Occurrences)
Keys (2 Occurrences)
Miraculous (54 Occurrences)
Authorities (44 Occurrences)
Magus
Varieties (5 Occurrences)
Bodies (144 Occurrences)
Ability (34 Occurrences)
Shaken (62 Occurrences)
Gnosticism
Cure (28 Occurrences)
Moved (316 Occurrences)
Mind (615 Occurrences)
Heavenly (51 Occurrences)
Disease (213 Occurrences)
Gifts (144 Occurrences)
Evolution
Diseases (38 Occurrences)
Arts (48 Occurrences)
Nature (80 Occurrences)
Users (9 Occurrences)
Organization (1 Occurrence)
Lords (63 Occurrences)
Wonder-working (4 Occurrences)
Working (205 Occurrences)
Wonder-workers (16 Occurrences)
Wonder-worker (9 Occurrences)
Wedge (3 Occurrences)
Four (3139 Occurrences)
Takers (4 Occurrences)
Raised (267 Occurrences)
Realms (6 Occurrences)
Manifold (23 Occurrences)
Magistrate (9 Occurrences)
Magistrates (18 Occurrences)
Benediction
Brute (4 Occurrences)
Baptizer (16 Occurrences)
Triumph (52 Occurrences)
Cockatrice (3 Occurrences)
Appointment (16 Occurrences)
Abuse (17 Occurrences)
Aeon
Stars (64 Occurrences)
Loving (292 Occurrences)
Gods (310 Occurrences)
Risen (169 Occurrences)
Sky (278 Occurrences)
Priesthood (30 Occurrences)
Fullness (31 Occurrences)
Curse (211 Occurrences)
Colossians (1 Occurrence)
Miracle (15 Occurrences)
Angel (209 Occurrences)
Areopagus (3 Occurrences)
Rulers (310 Occurrences)
Omri (16 Occurrences)
Greece (15 Occurrences)
Render (95 Occurrences)
Spiritual (42 Occurrences)
Power (862 Occurrences)
Iscariot (11 Occurrences)
Conscience (36 Occurrences)
Philosophy (1 Occurrence)
Satan (50 Occurrences)
Powerless (19 Occurrences)
Anthropomorphism
Proverbs (11 Occurrences)
Appointed (385 Occurrences)
Authority (326 Occurrences)
Messengers (182 Occurrences)
Service (317 Occurrences)
Hezekiah (124 Occurrences)
Ordered (264 Occurrences)
Psychology
Natural (49 Occurrences)
Angels (99 Occurrences)
Judas (42 Occurrences)