Exousia ἐξουσία

Exousia (Greek ἐξουσία, Strong's G1849) is a Greek feminine noun meaning “authority”. It occurs 103 times in 93 verses of the New Testament.

Definition

From the STEPBible Brief Lexicon of Greek (based on Abbott-Smith), STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0.

Translated as

Topics

• Government

Verses

Every verse with Exousia, with the English words that translate it highlighted (KJV or BSB; other translations show the KJV here).

Matthew

• Matthew 7:29
  For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.because He taught as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.
• Matthew 8:9
  For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”
• Matthew 9:6
  But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house.But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” Then He said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
• Matthew 9:8
  But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.When the crowds saw this, they were filled with awe and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
• Matthew 10:1
  And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.And calling His twelve disciples to Him, Jesus gave them authority over unclean spirits, so that they could drive them out and heal every disease and sickness.
• Matthew 21:23
  And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?When Jesus returned to the temple courts and began to teach, the chief priests and elders of the people came up to Him. “By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You this authority?”
• Matthew 21:24
  And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things.“I will also ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
• Matthew 21:27
  And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
• Matthew 28:18
  And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Mark

• Mark 1:22
  And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes.The people were astonished at His teaching, because He taught as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.
• Mark 1:27
  And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him.All the people were amazed and began to ask one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him!”
• Mark 2:10
  But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,)But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins...” He said to the paralytic,
• Mark 3:15
  And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:and to have authority to drive out demons.
• Mark 6:7
  And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits;Then Jesus called the Twelve to Him and began to send them out two by two, giving them authority over unclean spirits.
• Mark 11:28
  And say unto him, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority to do these things?“By what authority are You doing these things?” they asked. “And who gave You the authority to do them?”
• Mark 11:29
  And Jesus answered and said unto them, I will also ask of you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.“I will ask you one question,” Jesus replied, “and if you answer Me, I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
• Mark 11:33
  And they answered and said unto Jesus, We cannot tell. And Jesus answering saith unto them, Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.So they answered, “We do not know.” And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
• Mark 13:34
  For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch.

Luke

• Luke 4:6
  And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it.“I will give You authority over all these kingdoms and all their glory,” he said. “For it has been relinquished to me, and I can give it to anyone I wish.
• Luke 4:32
  And they were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power.They were astonished at His teaching, because His message had authority.
• Luke 4:36
  And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out.All the people were overcome with amazement and asked one another, “What is this message? With authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!”
• Luke 5:24
  But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house.But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on the earth to forgive sins...” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, pick up your mat, and go home.”
• Luke 7:8
  For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I tell my servant to do something, and he does it.”
• Luke 9:1
  Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.Then Jesus called the Twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and power to cure diseases.
• Luke 10:19
  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.Behold, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you.
• Luke 12:5
  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!
• Luke 12:11
  And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say.
• Luke 19:17
  And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.His master replied, ‘Well done, good servant! Because you have been faithful in a very small matter, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
• Luke 20:2
  And spake unto him, saying, Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things? or who is he that gave thee this authority?“Tell us,” they said, “by what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?”
• Luke 20:8
  And Jesus said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.And Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.”
• Luke 20:20
  And they watched him, and sent forth spies, which should feign themselves just men, that they might take hold of his words, that so they might deliver him unto the power and authority of the governor.So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor.
• Luke 22:53
  When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. But this hour belongs to you and to the power of darkness.”
• Luke 23:7
  And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time.And learning that Jesus was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was in Jerusalem at that time.

John

• John 1:12
  But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God—
• John 5:27
  And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.
• John 10:18
  No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
• John 17:2
  As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him.
• John 19:10
  Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee?So Pilate said to Him, “Do You refuse to speak to me? Do You not know that I have authority to release You and authority to crucify You?”
• John 19:11
  Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of greater sin.”

Acts

• Acts 1:7
  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.
• Acts 5:4
  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”
• Acts 8:19
  Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.“Give me this power as well,” he said, “so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”
• Acts 9:14
  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.And now he is here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”
• Acts 26:10
  Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.And that is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and when they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against them.
• Acts 26:12
  Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,In this pursuit I was on my way to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests.
• Acts 26:18
  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

Romans

• Romans 9:21
  Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?
• Romans 13:1
  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God.
• Romans 13:2
  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
• Romans 13:3
  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval.

1 Corinthians

• 1 Corinthians 7:37
  Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.But the man who is firmly established in his heart and under no constraint, with control over his will and resolve in his heart not to marry the virgin, he will do well.
• 1 Corinthians 8:9
  But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
• 1 Corinthians 9:4
  Have we not power to eat and to drink?Have we no right to food and to drink?
• 1 Corinthians 9:5
  Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
• 1 Corinthians 9:6
  Or I only and Barnabas, have not we power to forbear working?Or are Barnabas and I the only apostles who must work for a living?
• 1 Corinthians 9:12
  If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
• 1 Corinthians 9:18
  What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.
• 1 Corinthians 11:10
  For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.For this reason a woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head, because of the angels.
• 1 Corinthians 15:24
  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.Then the end will come, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father after He has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power.

2 Corinthians

• 2 Corinthians 10:8
  For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:For even if I boast somewhat excessively about the authority the Lord gave us for building you up rather than tearing you down, I will not be ashamed.
• 2 Corinthians 13:10
  Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.

Ephesians

• Ephesians 1:21
  Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
• Ephesians 2:2
  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience.
• Ephesians 3:10
  To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,His 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,
• Ephesians 6:12
  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.

Colossians

• Colossians 1:13
  Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son,
• Colossians 1:16
  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.
• Colossians 2:10
  And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:And you have been made complete in Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.
• Colossians 2:15
  And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

2 Thessalonians

• 2 Thessalonians 3:9
  Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

Titus

• Titus 3:1
  Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

Hebrews

• Hebrews 13:10
  We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.We have an altar from which those who serve at the tabernacle have no right to eat.

1 Peter

• 1 Peter 3:22
  Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to Him.

Jude

• Jude 1:25
  To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority through Jesus Christ our Lord before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen.

Revelation

• Revelation 2:26
  And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations:And to the one who overcomes and continues in My work until the end, I will give authority over the nations.
• Revelation 6:8
  And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth.
• Revelation 9:3
  And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth.
• Revelation 9:10
  And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months.
• Revelation 9:19
  For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt.For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; indeed, their tails were like snakes, having heads with which to inflict harm.
• Revelation 11:6
  These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.These witnesses have power to shut the sky so that no rain will fall during the days of their prophecy, and power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they wish.
• Revelation 12:10
  And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of His Christ. For the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down— he who accuses them day and night before our God.
• Revelation 13:2
  And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.The beast I saw was like a leopard, with the feet of a bear and the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority.
• Revelation 13:4
  And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?They worshiped the dragon who had given authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast, and who can wage war against it?”
• Revelation 13:5
  And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant and blasphemous words, and authority to act for 42 months.
• Revelation 13:7
  And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.Then the beast was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them, and it was given authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.
• Revelation 13:12
  And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.And this beast exercised all the authority of the first beast and caused the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound had been healed.
• Revelation 14:18
  And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.Still another angel, with authority over the fire, came from the altar and called out in a loud voice to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Swing your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of grapes from the vine of the earth, because its grapes are ripe.”
• Revelation 16:9
  And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.And the people were scorched by intense heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had authority over these plagues; yet they did not repent and give Him glory.
• Revelation 17:12
  And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but will receive one hour of authority as kings, along with the beast.
• Revelation 17:13
  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.These kings have one purpose: to yield their power and authority to the beast.
• Revelation 18:1
  And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.After this I saw another angel descending from heaven with great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his glory.
• Revelation 20:6
  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.
• Revelation 22:14
  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates.

Notes

1. Definition and verse list from STEPBible's tagged Hebrew Old Testament (TAHOT) and Greek New Testament (TAGNT) and Brief Lexicons, STEPBible.org, CC BY 4.0.
2. English renderings from the public-domain KJV with Strong's numbers (eBible.org) and the Berean Standard Bible interlinear (public domain).