ἐνέργεια (energeia)
energeia
active energy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun energeia denotes active power or operative energy, distinguishing itself from mere potential ability. While other Greek terms might describe capacity that exists but is not yet exercised, this word points to force in action. It appears eight times in the New Testament, with a significant concentration in Paul’s letters such as Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians.
The sources highlight a clear contrast between energeia and dynamis. Where dynamis refers to potential power or inherent strength, energeia is that power working out in reality. This distinction gives the word its specific theological weight, describing how divine capability becomes visible effect in the world.
Scripture applies this active energy to both God and Satan, showing it as a neutral descriptor of supernatural influence. It describes the mighty work of God raising believers (Ephesians 1:19) and the deceptive power at work in evil (2 Thessalonians 2:9). The term captures the dynamic reality of spiritual forces at work.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word energeia describes power in motion. It is not just potential strength waiting to be used, but energy actively at work. When Scripture speaks of God’s energeia, it points to a force that transforms reality. This is the same active energy that raised Christ from the dead and now lives within believers. You are not left to rely on your own limited capacity; you are connected to a power that is currently operating in your life.
This concept brings comfort because it means God’s promises are not static ideas. They are dynamic actions. Whether you face spiritual growth or personal struggle, the same mighty energy described in Ephesians 1:19 is available to you. It works through every part of your faith community, knitting you together and helping you grow in love. This active presence assures us that God is not distant but intimately involved in the details of our days.
Understanding this word shifts our perspective from passive waiting to active trust. We do not need to manufacture spiritual strength ourselves. Instead, we rest in the assurance that God’s power is already at work within us. This reality invites us to walk with confidence, knowing that the energy sustaining us is reliable and constant.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- working4×
- [the] working2×
- energy1×
- a powerful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐνέργειαν7×
- ἐνεργείας1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 1:19
and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might
This verse defines the magnitude of God's power by linking it directly to believers, showing energeia as an active force sustaining faith.
-
Colossians 2:12
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Here the term connects baptism to resurrection, emphasizing that spiritual renewal is driven by God's operative energy rather than human ritual alone.
-
Philippians 3:21
who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the working by which he is able even to subject all things to himself.
The word explains how Christ will transform our humble bodies, highlighting energeia as the mechanism of future glorification.
-
II Thessalonians 2:9
even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
This occurrence shows the term's neutrality by describing Satan's deceptive power, proving it refers to active influence regardless of moral source.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does energeia mean in the New Testament?
How is energeia different from dynamis?
Does energeia only refer to God's power?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)
Ephesians 3 verses
and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of…
Ephesians 3:7of which I was made a servant according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of…
Ephesians 4:16from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the…