Les Feldick Bible Study

What does dunamis mean?

Dunamis is a Greek word that means power, specifically supernatural power. It is the root of the English word dynamo. In the context of miracles, it denotes the power by which Christ performed them because He is God. It is distinct from semaion, meaning sign, and teros, meaning wonders.

Les explains that in Hebrews chapter 2 verse 4, all three Greek words appear. The first, semaion, should always be translated signs. The second, dunamis, from which we get dynamo, concerns power, supernatural power. He notes that when Christ performed His miracles, He did so because of the power He had being God. The third word, teros, merely meant wonders. Les points out that translators often rendered these words as miracles, which is unfortunate because each carries a distinct meaning.

Hebrews 2:4

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

More Questions

What does the Greek word 'dunamis' refer to?

The Greek word 'dunamis' has to do with supernatural power.