What does the Greek word for "power" mean when Paul speaks of principalities and powers?
The Greek word translated “power” in that phrase means authority, not merely strength. The same term appears in Ephesians and in Acts 26:10, where Paul received authority from the chief priests. Therefore the principalities and powers are spoken of as having authority, and Satan’s power is described as blinding the lost.
Les explains that the word “power” here is the same Greek word found in Ephesians, and it means authority. So these principalities and powers have authority. He warns that Satan is powerful, can transform himself into an angel of light, and is the one who has the lost people of this world totally blinded, as 2 Corinthians says; through the power of Satan they cannot comprehend the gospel. The same meaning appears in Acts 26:10, where Paul, before salvation, shut up saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priests—he was put in a position where he could do what he was doing.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
More Questions
What does the word 'powers' mean in Ephesians 6?
In Ephesians 6, the word 'powers' is a different Greek word than in Romans 8, and there it does not mean energy but means power or authority like the power Jesus gave the twelve to perform miracles.
Does the word 'power' in Ephesians 6:12 mean the same thing as the word 'power' in Romans 8:38?
In Ephesians 6, the Greek word translated 'powers' is a different Greek word from the one in Romans 8, and there it does not mean energy but refers to the kind of delegated power Jesus gave the twelve when they went out and performed miracles.