### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **enérgeia**, represented by `{{G1753}}`, describes efficiency or "energy" in action. It is translated as operation, strong, or effectual working. This term appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses**, indicating its specific and potent meaning within the scriptures. It consistently points to a powerful, active force that produces tangible effects.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1753}}` is used to describe both divine and malevolent power. It is the "operation of God" through which believers have faith to be risen with Christ [[Colossians 2:12]]. This same "working" is how Christ will ultimately change our vile bodies and subdue all things to himself [[Philippians 3:21]]. The term also defines the source of a believer's strength for ministry, as when Paul labors according to Christ's "working" which works in him mightily [[Colossians 1:29]]. Conversely, it is used to describe the "working of Satan" which is accompanied by power, signs, and lying wonders [[2 Thessalonians 2:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the active nature of `{{G1753}}`:
* `{{G1754}}` **energéō** (to be active, efficient): This is the verb form of `{{G1753}}`, showing the concept in action. In [[Colossians 1:29]], Paul's labor is according to God's "working" `{{G1753}}` which "worketh" `{{G1754}}` in him.
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (force; specially, miraculous power): This word for power is often the source from which the "working" `{{G1753}}` proceeds. Paul's ministry was according to the gift of God's grace given by the "effectual working" `{{G1753}}` of his "power" `{{G1411}}` [[Ephesians 3:7]].
* `{{G2904}}` **krátos** (vigor ("great"); dominion, might(-ily), power, strength): This term describes the immense strength and dominion behind the "working" `{{G1753}}`, such as the "working of his mighty power" [[Ephesians 1:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1753}}` demonstrates how power is put into effect.
* **A Force for Both Good and Evil:** `{{G1753}}` is a neutral term for effective power, used to describe both the "operation of God" [[Colossians 2:12]] and the "working of Satan" [[2 Thessalonians 2:9]], highlighting that supernatural energy can be directed toward divine or deceptive ends.
* **The Power of Resurrection and Transformation:** This word is central to understanding God's ability to bring about new life and ultimate glorification. It is the "operation of God" that raises believers from spiritual death [[Colossians 2:12]] and the "working" by which Christ will fashion our bodies to be like his own [[Philippians 3:21]].
* **Empowerment for the Church:** The "effectual working" `{{G1753}}` of God is what enables the growth of the church, with every part supplying what is needed [[Ephesians 4:16]]. It also empowers individuals for ministry and labor in the gospel [[Colossians 1:29]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1753}}` is not simply about work, but about the manifestation of effective, operative power. It functions as the bridge between latent power, like `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis**, and its tangible results in the world. Whether it is God's power bringing about resurrection and salvation or Satan's power producing delusion, **enérgeia** defines the active, efficient, and consequential force at work.
TRV