What is the meaning of exousia in the Bible?

Answer

Exousia is a Greek term commonly translated as “authority” or “power.” It is frequently associated with moral influence. Exousia can also be understood as jurisdiction or dominion over a specific realm, right, privilege, or ability.

The term Exousia appears in the book of Matthew. In verses 28–29, it states, “When Jesus had finished speaking these words, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority [exousia], and not as their scribes.” The term is also mentioned in Matthew 9:6 when Jesus shows His “authority” to forgive sins by healing a paralyzed man. Furthermore, it is referenced in Matthew 21:23–27 when the chief priests and elders question Jesus’ authority. Interestingly, in Luke 4:6, it is with exousia that Satan tempts Jesus. However, Ephesians 1:18–23 illustrates that Jesus surpasses all authority, dominion, and power. Colossians 1:15–20 and Colossians 2:10 also confirm the supremacy of Jesus. True exousia belongs to Him.

When Jesus empowered His disciples, He also granted them a level of authority. In Mark 6:7, Jesus bestows authority, or exousia, upon the Twelve over impure spirits when He sends them out to preach.

Ephesians 2:2 mentions the “ruler of the kingdom [exousia] of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.” However, this is not a ruler we should fear. Ephesians 3:10–11 states, “[God’s] purpose was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal plan that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Ephesians 6:12 informs us that we battle against those powers or authorities. Nevertheless, it also assures us that God has equipped us with spiritual armor for the fight and that we can be strong in the Lord and His mighty power. Colossians 1:13–14 encourages, “For he has rescued us from the dominion [The authority of darkness brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Colossians 2:15 states that Christ has “disarmed the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” We battle a defeated foe because we serve the One who has authority over all (see also 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 and 1 Peter 3:21b-22).

Paul uses exousia when discussing the “right” the apostles had to receive financial help from those they served (1 Corinthians 9:1-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:9). He also uses the term when talking about a potter’s “right” to form his clay as he wishes, “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” (Romans 9:21)—a representation of God’s right to make and mold us.

Exousia is mentioned in Romans 13 and Titus 3:1 in the context of governmental authority. It is also referenced in 2 Corinthians 10:8 and 13:10 regarding the authority God gave Paul for building up the church.

Exousia is repeatedly used in Revelation regarding the power and authority granted to various players in the end times. It is also cited in Revelation concerning the ultimate authority of Christ. Revelation 22:14 provides great encouragement: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” Ultimately, believers will be granted the right, or exousia, to eat from the tree of life.