ἐξουσία (exousia)
exousia
authority
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 93 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun exousia refers to the right or liberty to act, rather than raw physical strength. It describes a delegated capacity to exercise influence, whether in legal matters, governance, or personal freedom. The sources distinguish it from dynamis, which denotes inherent power; exousia is the legitimate authority to use that power.
This word carries significant weight in the New Testament, appearing frequently in Matthew and Revelation. Jesus claims this authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10) and asserts supreme rule over all creation (Matthew 28:18). It also describes the jurisdiction of earthly rulers and the spiritual powers that oppose God.
Its root relates to the verb meaning "it is lawful," highlighting that this authority is grounded in right and permission. Translators often render it as "authority," but the term also encompasses liberty, privilege, and even the sign of control, such as a magistrate’s office or a crown.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read that Jesus taught with authority, it is easy to miss how different this is from human influence. Most leaders persuade through charisma or pressure, but Jesus spoke with a right that demanded obedience simply because He was who He said He was. In Matthew 7:29, the crowds noticed that His teaching stood apart from the scribes, not because of clever arguments, but because it carried the weight of divine permission.
This concept extends beyond Jesus to those He commissions. When He gave His disciples authority over sickness and spirits, He showed that believers share in this delegated right. We do not possess power by our own strength, but we are granted the liberty to act in His name. This means our spiritual life is not about striving for control, but resting in the permission Christ has already secured.
Understanding exousia changes how we view our daily struggles. It reminds us that the forces opposing God do not hold ultimate sway. Whether facing personal fear or global uncertainty, we can look to passages like Luke 10:19, where Jesus promises authority over the enemy’s power. This is not a promise of ease, but a guarantee of protection and purpose for those who walk in His will.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 93 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- authority68×
- power7×
- right4×
- authorities4×
- power,2×
- authority;2×
- authority,2×
- authorities,2×
- to the authorities1×
- to authorities1×
- permission1×
- jurisdiction1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐξουσίαν51×
- ἐξουσίᾳ15×
- ἐξουσία12×
- ἐξουσίας9×
- ἐξουσίαν,3×
- ἐξουσίαις3×
- ἐξουσίας,2×
- ἐξουσίᾳ,1×
- ἐξουσίας·1×
- ἐξουσίαν·1×
- ἐξουσίαν;1×
- ἐξουσίαι·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 28:18
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
This verse establishes the scope of Jesus' authority as universal, covering both heaven and earth, which forms the basis for the Great Commission.
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Mark 2:10
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—
Here the word is linked directly to forgiveness of sins, showing that spiritual restoration requires a higher authority than ritual law could provide.
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Matthew 7:29
for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
This occurrence highlights the qualitative difference between Jesus' teaching and traditional religious instruction, emphasizing inherent right rather than derived tradition.
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Luke 10:19
Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.
Jesus explicitly grants this authority to His followers for protection against spiritual hostility, defining its practical application in the believer's life.
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Matthew 21:23
When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”
The religious leaders question the source of this authority, revealing that its legitimacy was the central point of conflict between Jesus and the established order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between exousia and dynamis in the New Testament?
Does this word appear in the Old Testament?
How does this authority apply to Christians today?
Why did the religious leaders ask Jesus about His authority?
Every Occurrence (93 verses across 16 books)
Matthew 9 verses
for he taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.
Matthew 8:9For I am also a man under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and tell…
Matthew 9:6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—” (then he said to the paralytic),…
Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
Matthew 10:1He called to himself his twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal…
Matthew 21:23When he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and…
Matthew 21:24Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what…
Matthew 21:27They answered Jesus, and said, “We don’t know.” He also said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do…
Matthew 28:18Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.