UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: ability, capability

Semantic entry: 74.1

Semantic domains: Able, Capable

Definition: the ability to perform a particular activity or to undergo some experience

Notes: In a number of languages the equivalent of ‘ability’ in RV CO2 1:8 · LV CO2 1:8 · Read together CO2 1:8 may be expressed simply by a modal such as ‘can,’ for example, ‘far beyond what we can endure.’

Sense 2: power

Semantic entry: 76.1

Semantic domains: Power, Force

Definition: the potentiality to exert force in performing some function

Sense 3: mighty deed, miracle

Semantic entry: 76.7

Semantic domains: Power, Force

Definition: a deed manifesting great power, with the implication of some supernatural force

Sense 4: ruler

Semantic entry: 37.61

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Rule, Govern

Definition: one who has the power to rule

Notes: It is also possible to interpret δύναμις in RV ROM 8:38 · LV ROM 8:38 · Read together ROM 8:38 as meaning a supernatural power (see 12.44: ἀήρ / 12.44: αἰών / 12.44: ἀρχή / 12.44: ἄρχων / 12.44: δύναμις / 12.44: ἐξουσία / 12.44: θρόνος / 12.44: κοσμοκράτωρ / 12.44: κόσμος / 12.44: κυριότης / 12.44: πνευματικός).

Sense 5: power, authority, lordship, ruler, wicked force

Semantic entry: 12.44

Semantic domains: Supernatural Beings and Powers

Subdomains: Supernatural Powers

Definition: (title for supernatural forces and powers) a supernatural power having some particular role in controlling the destiny and activities of human beings

Notes: Some scholars have believed that it is possible to reconstruct at least in part some of the hierarchy represented by these various supernatural forces and powers, on the basis of the neoplatonic system of nine such powers arranged in three orders of three each. NT terminology and usage does not, however, lend itself to such a classification, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine what are the significant differences between these supernatural powers and forces.|In the case of RV EPH 1:21 · LV EPH 1:21 · Read together EPH 1:21 some scholars apply the terms in question both to the supernatural and to the human sphere, thus emphasizing the totality of Christ’s rule. This has a considerable measure of justification in view of the concepts held by persons in the ancient world, since various earthly powers were supposed to reflect corresponding supernatural powers.|For the most part, translators have endeavored to render the various terms in somewhat different ways, for example, ἐξουσία as ‘authority’; δύναμις as ‘power’; κυριότης as ‘ruler’; and phrases such as τὰ πνευματικὰ τῆς πονηρίας ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις as ‘wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world.’ In a number of languages, however, there are simply not enough terms to designate various kinds of powers, authorities, and forces which could be employed in speaking of such supernatural impersonal powers. Accordingly, some translators have simply used a phrase such as ‘any and all kinds of supernatural powers.’ Where it is possible to make certain lexical distinctions between terms and phrases, this, of course, should be done, but in a number of contexts this may be impossible, and accordingly, some explanation in a marginal note may be required if the reader is to understand satisfactorily the intent of the passages in question.

Sense 6: meaning, what is intended

Semantic entry: 33.134

Semantic domains: Communication

Subdomains: Interpret, Mean, Explain

Definition: the meaning or significance of a word or statement

Notes: It is, of course, also possible to translate RV CO1 14:11 · LV CO1 14:11 · Read together CO1 14:11 as ‘if I cannot understand what has been said.’