![]() When we categorize the different occurrences of dunamis (δύναμις) in Luke’s Gospel, we find that it describes four things. ![]() Each occurrence of the word can be categorized by what it describes. Now that we know that “power” is a central theme in Luke’s Gospel, we need to determine how the word is used throughout the book. The fact that Luke uses the word dunamis (δύναμις) fifteen times throughout his account-a frequency equaled only by Paul in 1 Corinthians-establishes that “power” is a central theme and emphasis of his Gospel. Whenever we study a word, we should focus on how it is being used in the passage we are investigating. We can use Logos’ concordance function or Strong’s to ascertain the predominant meanings attached to this word by the New Testament authors. ![]() We must supplement it with details of the terrain-the context (or specific distribution) of each occurrence. Although this is interesting, this statistic only provides us with a panoramic landscape. We can use an interactive chart in Logos’ Exegetical Guide to determine the frequency of a word in the New Testament. When looking up a particular word in the New Testament, there are two things that should be considered: frequency (how many times a word appears) and distribution (where the word appears). Step 3: Explore the Usage of the Word in the New Testament This shift in meaning further develops in the New Testament. While dunamis (δύναμις) in Greek literature often had to do with various forces (powers) moving and governing the universe, the Greek translators of the Old Testament viewed “power” as something God himself possessed and exerted. This entry discusses the word in Greek literature (such as Homer’s Iliad) and in the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament (the Septuagint). When we look up the word “power” we are directed to the entry discussing dunamis (δύναμις) on page 186. This resource accommodates to English readers by providing a table of English keywords. The TDNT provides concise articles that explain how and where a word occurs in various passages and contexts. Rather, streamline the process by consulting a resource such as the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament ( Abridged in One Volume) (TDNT). The key to an efficient study of a Greek word is not to reinvent the wheel by personally searching through literature of various time-periods. With one of these working definitions in mind, the next step is to investigate how this definition functions in literary contexts and biblical passages. BDAG tells me that dunamis (δύναμις) in Luke 8:46 falls under the definition of “potential for functioning in some way, power, might, strength, force, capability.” BDAG also includes a sub-definition, which reads: “specifically the power that works wonders.” Step 2: Briefly Track the Word through the Greek World For me, this lexicon is A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG). When we do this, our preferred lexicon * automatically opens to dunamis (δύναμις). Define the wordpower in the greek software#We can skip this step entirely in Logos Bible Software by just double-clicking a word in a reverse interlinear. Here we see that dunamis (δύναμις) can refer to a literal or figurative force, specifically the ability to work miracles, or even to a miracle itself. We can use this reference number to look up the word numerically in the Greek to English Dictionary-Index to the New Testament appended to Strong’s. ![]() The key to efficiently using this resource is to take note of the Strong’s Number allocated to the word dunamis (δύναμις) in the interlinear Bible-1411. If you are using print books, you can use Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible for this step. Now that we know that the Greek word for “power,” dunamis (δύναμις), is the subject of our investigation, we need to formulate a working definition. Simply find the English word “power” in the reverse interlinear and look at the Greek word placed below it- δύναμις (dunamis). Step 1: Make the Switch to Greek and Establish a Working Definitionįor those who don’t read Greek, the most effective way to make the English to Greek transition is to use a tool like the ESV English-Greek Reverse Interlinear New Testament. ![]() What does the word “power” mean in the passage? What precisely went out from Jesus? To find out, we need to investigate the Greek word behind the English word “power”. Jesus then says, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me” (Luke 8:46 ESV). In Luke 8:46, a desperately ill woman touches Jesus in order to be healed. Whether you have spent countless sleepless nights pouring over Greek flash cards or can barely manage to order a gyro, you can reach beyond your English Bible to the original Greek in four easy steps. ![]()
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