ἐξουσία
exousia
authority
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐξουσία (exousia) holds significant importance in the biblical text, appearing 103 times. Its definition of "authority" encompasses various aspects of control, power, and jurisdiction. This word is not limited to abstract concepts, but rather refers to concrete, actionable ability to do something. In its biblical usage, ἐξουσία is often associated with different types of power: divine (Romans 9:21, 13:1), human (Luke 20:20, 23:7), and demonic (Luke 6:18, 22). This breadth of application suggests that the concept of authority is multifaceted and can be exercised in diverse contexts. The word ἐξουσία can describe both legitimate and illegitimate power, as seen in the examples of God's authority and Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees. The frequency and various uses of ἐξουσία underscore its importance in the biblical narrative. It serves as a fundamental concept for understanding social hierarchies, human interactions, and the relationship between humans and God. This comprehensive representation of authority allows readers to appreciate its significance in shaping the biblical story and its ongoing relevance to human experiences.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
103 total occurrences across the text — showing 50
But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins-” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, and take up your mat, and go to your house.”
Matthew 7:29for 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 another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and tell my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
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 every disease and every sickness.
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 said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”
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 said, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”
Matthew 21:24Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.
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 these things.
Matthew 28:18Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.
Mark 1:22They were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.
Mark 1:27They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!”
Mark 2:10But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—
Mark 3:15and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:
Mark 6:7He called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and he gave them authority over the unclean spirits.
Mark 11:28and they began saying to him, “By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Mark 11:28and they began saying to him, “By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?”
Mark 11:29Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.
Mark 11:33They answered Jesus, “We don’t know.” Jesus said to them, “Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Mark 13:34“It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch.
Luke 4:6The devil said to him, “I will give you all this authority, and their glory, for it has been delivered to me; and I give it to whomever I want.
Luke 4:32and they were astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority.
Luke 4:36Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
Luke 5:24But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, take up your cot, and go to your house.”
Luke 7:8For I also am a man placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Luke 9:1He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.
Luke 10:19Behold, 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.
Luke 12:5But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear him who after he has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear him.
Luke 12:11When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don’t be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say;
Luke 19:17“He said to him, ‘Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
Luke 20:2They asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?”
Luke 20:2They asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?”
Luke 20:8Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
Luke 20:20They watched him and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the power and authority of the governor.
Luke 22:53When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.”
Luke 23:7When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.
John 1:12But as many as received him, to them he gave the right to become God’s children, to those who believe in his name:
John 5:27He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man.
John 10:18No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”
John 10:18No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”
John 17:2even as you gave him authority over all flesh, so he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him.
John 19:10Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you and have power to crucify you?”
John 19:10Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you and have power to crucify you?”
John 19:11Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.”
Acts 1:7He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority.
Acts 5:4While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.”
Acts 8:19saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”
Acts 9:14Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
Acts 26:10I also did this in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.
Acts 26:12“Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,