dunamis
Definition
Dunamis (Greek: δύναμις) means “power,” “might,” or “ability.” In the New Testament dunamis is used for God’s enabling power (Acts 1:8), but also for miracles (Matt. 11:21). In Free Will Versus Ownership Jones distinguishes dunamis (power/might) from exousia (authority):
“The Greek words used in the New Testament are different. Dunamis is power (Acts 1:16). Exousia is authority (Matt. 8:9). These terms are relative: a man under authority looks up to a higher ‘power.‘”
[Jones, Free Will Versus Ownership, ch. 2]
A king has dunamis (power to rule) but stands under the exousia (authority) of the King of kings. His will is under God’s sovereignty.
Uses per Author
Stephen Jones
Jones uses dunamis in the context of God’s sovereignty. God has dunamis (omnipotence), but also exousia (the right to govern based on ownership). Man can have dunamis over others (like a king), but always stands under a higher exousia:
“Men do not determine history; God does. Nations rise and fall according to His decrees.”
[Jones, Free Will Versus Ownership, ch. 2; Dan. 4]
The ultimate fulfillment is that every knee will bow and every tongue swear allegiance to Christ (Isa. 45:23; Phil. 2:10-11) — God’s dunamis and exousia fully expressed.
Watchman Nee / Witness Lee
Nee/Lee uses dunamis for the power of the gospel and the resurrection (Phil. 3:10). The believer has access to God’s dunamis through the Spirit.
E.W. Bullinger
Bullinger points out that dunamis in Scripture often refers to God’s miraculous power that demonstrates His sovereignty.