δυναμόω (dunamoō)
dunamoō
to empower
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dunamoō means to make strong or to empower someone with ability. It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only three times, and its meaning is drawn directly from its root, dunamis, which refers to power or strength. The sources indicate that it describes an active process of strengthening, often implying that the strength comes from an external source rather than self-generated effort.
In Scripture, this word highlights divine empowerment for specific tasks. It appears in Colossians 1:11, where believers are prayed to be strengthened with all power according to God’s glory. It is also found in Hebrews 11:34, describing those who subdued kingdoms through strength given to them. The Septuagint usage noted in the sources connects it to concepts of becoming mighty or prevailing, reinforcing the idea that this strength enables significant action.
Unlike words that simply describe static power, dunamoō focuses on the act of imparting that power to a person. Translators typically render it as "strengthened" or "empowered," capturing the sense of being equipped for a challenge. The consistent usage across these few verses shows a pattern where human limitation is met with divine enablement, allowing individuals to accomplish what would otherwise be impossible.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When life feels overwhelming, it is easy to rely on our own limited reserves. The Greek word dunamoō reminds us that true strength does not come from within ourselves, but is a gift given by God. This verb describes the active process of being empowered for specific tasks, shifting the focus from self-generated effort to divine enablement.
In Colossians 1:11, Paul prays for believers to be strengthened with all power according to God’s glory. This is not just about feeling better, but about receiving the ability to endure and persevere with joy. It acknowledges that human limitation is met with divine support, allowing us to face challenges that would otherwise be impossible.
Hebrews 11:34 shows this power in action, describing those who were made strong and grew mighty in war. These individuals did not succeed by their own might alone; they were equipped by God for significant acts of faith. This word invites us to rest in the fact that our strength is found in His glory, providing a steady foundation for our daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- being strengthened1×
- be empowered1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐδυναμώθησαν1×
- δυναμούμενοι1×
Key Verses
-
Colossians 1:11
strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy,
This verse defines the source and purpose of empowerment, linking divine power directly to the capacity for joyful endurance.
-
Hebrews 11:34
quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee.
Here the word illustrates how God's strength transforms weakness into effective action during times of conflict.