from ἐνεργής; efficiency ("energy"):--operation, strong, (effectual) working.
Transliteration:enérgeia
Pronunciation:en-erg'-i-ah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun enérgeia (`{{G1753}}`) derives from the adjective energes (`{{G1756}}`), meaning "active" or "operative," and is closely related to the verb energeō (`{{G1754}}`), "to work" or "to be active." At its core, enérgeia denotes effective working, active power, or operation. It represents power in action, as opposed to mere potentiality (dynamis - `{{G1411}}`). While dynamis refers to the inherent capacity or ability to act, enérgeia signifies the actualization, manifestation, or exertion of that power. It implies a dynamic, forceful, and often supernatural efficacy. In philosophical contexts, particularly Aristotelian, enérgeia describes the actualization of a potential, the state of being at work, or the full and complete activity of a thing. In the New Testament, this concept is primarily applied to divine or spiritual power, highlighting its active and transformative nature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term enérgeia appears 8 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Pauline epistles, where it consistently refers to an active, effective working.
1. **Divine Power:** Most frequently, enérgeia describes the active power of God or Christ.
* In [[Ephesians 1:19]], Paul prays that believers would know "the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength" (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ κράτους τῆς ἰσχύος αὐτοῦ). Here, enérgeia emphasizes the active, demonstrable nature of God's immense power in bringing about salvation and spiritual understanding.
* Similarly, [[Ephesians 3:7]] speaks of Paul's ministry being "according to the gift of God's grace, which was given to me by the working of his power" (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τῆς δυνάμεως αὐτοῦ). This highlights that Paul's apostolic effectiveness was not of himself, but a direct result of God's active power.
* [[Colossians 1:29]] describes Paul's toil in ministry: "For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me" (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐνεργουμένην ἐν ἐμοὶ ἐν δυνάμει). This verse beautifully illustrates God's active power at work *within* the believer, enabling them for ministry.
* In [[Colossians 2:12]], believers are said to be "raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead" (διὰ τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐνεργείας τοῦ θεοῦ). Here, enérgeia underscores the divine efficacy in resurrection, both Christ's and the believer's spiritual resurrection.
* [[Philippians 3:21]] speaks of Christ "who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (κατὰ τὴν ἐνέργειαν τοῦ δύνασθαι αὐτὸν καὶ ὑποτάξαι). This points to the active, transformative power of Christ in the future resurrection and glorification of believers' bodies.
2. **Satanic/Evil Power:** In two instances, enérgeia describes the active working of evil forces.
* [[2 Thessalonians 2:9]] states that the coming of the lawless one will be "by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders" (κατ' ἐνέργειαν τοῦ Σατανᾶ). This indicates that Satan's deceptive operations are not merely passive influence, but an active, effective exertion of power.
* Following this, [[2 Thessalonians 2:11]] mentions that "God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false" (πέμπει αὐτοῖς ὁ θεὸς ἐνέργειαν πλάνης). While God is the ultimate sender, the "enérgeia of delusion" refers to the active, persuasive power of error itself, which God allows to operate upon those who reject truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **energeō (`{{G1754}}`):** The verb form, meaning "to work," "to be active," or "to effect." This verb is used much more frequently than the noun, often emphasizing the active working of God, the Holy Spirit, or even sin and Satan. Enérgeia is the *result* or *manifestation* of energeō.
* **dynamis (`{{G1411}}`):** "Power," "ability," or "might." As noted, dynamis is the inherent capacity, while enérgeia is the active exercise or manifestation of that capacity. For example, God *has* dynamis, and He *exercises* enérgeia. The two are often found together, as in [[Ephesians 3:7]] and [[Colossians 1:29]], demonstrating the active expression of God's inherent power.
* **kratos (`{{G2904}}`):** "Strength," "might," "dominion." Often used in conjunction with ischys (`{{G2479}}`, "force") and dynamis to describe the immense power of God, as seen in [[Ephesians 1:19]] where God's enérgeia is further qualified by kratos and ischys.
* **ergon (`{{G2041}}`):** "Work," "deed," "action." Ergon often refers to the outcome or product of enérgeia. Enérgeia is the dynamic process, ergon is the completed act or result.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of enérgeia is profound, underscoring the active and effective nature of spiritual realities.
1. **God's Active Sovereignty:** The predominant use of enérgeia describes God's direct, powerful, and effective involvement in creation, salvation, and the lives of believers. It highlights that God is not a passive observer but an active agent whose purposes are always accomplished. His enérgeia ensures the transformation of believers, their resurrection, and the success of His redemptive plan.
2. **Divine Empowerment for Ministry:** Paul's frequent use of enérgeia in relation to his own ministry (e.g., [[Ephesians 3:7]], [[Colossians 1:29]]) emphasizes that true spiritual work is not by human strength or wisdom, but by the indwelling, active power of God. This concept encourages humility and reliance on divine enablement.
3. **The Reality of Spiritual Warfare:** The application of enérgeia to Satan's work (e.g., [[2 Thessalonians 2:9]]) reminds believers that evil is not merely an abstract concept but an active, deceptive, and powerful force. This underscores the need for spiritual discernment and reliance on God's greater enérgeia to overcome such influences.
4. **Assurance of Transformation:** The use of enérgeia in relation to the resurrection and glorification of the body (e.g., [[Philippians 3:21]]) provides a strong assurance of God's ability to complete the work He has begun in believers, transforming them fully into Christ's likeness.
### Summary
Enérgeia (`{{G1753}}`) signifies active, effective, and operative power. It is power in motion, differentiating it from mere potentiality (dynamis). In the New Testament, this term primarily describes the dynamic and irresistible working of God, particularly in salvation, spiritual empowerment, and future glorification. It underscores God's active sovereignty and His direct involvement in the lives of believers, enabling them for ministry and ensuring their ultimate transformation. Conversely, it is also used to describe the active, deceptive power of Satan and error, highlighting the reality of spiritual forces at work in the world. Ultimately, enérgeia points to the living, active, and powerful nature of God, whose will is always effectively accomplished.
TRV