ἐνέργεια

working, activity

Definition

Energia refers to a powerful, effective working or activity. In the New Testament, it consistently describes the active, supernatural power of God or spiritual forces. For example, it denotes God's mighty power at work in believers (Ephesians 1:19, 3:7; Colossians 1:29) and the power that raised Christ from the dead (Colossians 2:12). It also describes the constructive, unifying activity of Christ in building up the church (Ephesians 4:16) and the future power by which he will transform our bodies (Philippians 3:21). Conversely, it is used for the deceptive, counterfeit working of Satan through the 'man of lawlessness' (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 11).

Biblical Usage

This word appears eight times, exclusively in the Pauline epistles. Its usage is split into two clear patterns: it describes the positive, life-giving power of God in salvation, resurrection, and church growth (Ephesians 1:19, 3:7, 4:16; Philippians 3:21; Colossians 1:29, 2:12), and the negative, deceptive power of evil in the end times (2 Thessalonians 2:9, 11). It is never used for ordinary human activity, always indicating a superhuman source of effective power.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective energes, meaning 'active, effective,' which itself comes from en ('in') and ergon ('work'). It is the root of the English word 'energy.' The term implies an inherent power that is actively at work to produce a definite effect or result.

Semantic Range

This word is crucial for understanding the nature of spiritual power in the New Testament. It highlights that God's power is not static but dynamically at work in creation, salvation, and the church. It draws a stark contrast between the life-giving energy of God in Christ and the destructive, deceitful energy of Satan, emphasizing the cosmic spiritual conflict. Recognizing this term helps readers see that the Christian life and the church's growth are sustained by God's active, supernatural working, not merely human effort.

In the Greco-Roman world, the term was used in philosophy and medicine to describe an inherent force or active principle within something that produced an effect. Paul adopts this concept but exclusively applies it to the spiritual realm, investing it with theological significance about the source and nature of true power.

dunamis (G1411) — raw power or ability, while energia is the active exercise or operation of that power. kratos (G2904) — strength, might, or dominion, often emphasizing authority or hold, whereas energia focuses on the active working process.

Word Details

Scripture References