Dunamis: What Does It Really Mean?

Pronounced “doo’-nam-is,” the Greek word Dunamis means miraculous power, might, or strength. It’s used more than 100 times in the New Testament, often describing the divine power of God working through Jesus Christ and His followers (see Acts 1:8).

However, Dunamis carries a deeper meaning than just “power.” It represents potential power—energy waiting to be activated through faith.

From Science to Scripture

During my time as a pre-med student at Northern Arizona University, I spent countless hours studying the sciences: chemistry, zoology, botany, and microbiology. Yet physics fascinated me most because it explained how energy behaves.

One fundamental concept, potential energy, describes the energy stored in an object due to its relationship with something else. For example, think of a bowstring drawn back, full of tension and ready to release an arrow.

That stored energy has purpose; it’s waiting for the right moment—and direction—to be unleashed. In the same way, Dunamis represents the divine potential within each of us, poised for action through faith.

The Power of the Great Physician

When I became a physician, I realized that healing depends on relationship—the connection between the healer and the one in need. Scripture mirrors this truth.

Jesus, often called the Great Physician, demonstrated Dunamis power throughout His ministry. The Greek word describes His miraculous acts of healing and the supernatural strength that flowed through Him from the Father.

Consider the story of the bleeding woman in Mark 5:25–34. After suffering for years without relief, she reached out in faith to touch Jesus’s cloak. Instantly, she was healed. Jesus felt Dunamis—power—flow from Him and recognized that her faith had activated that potential energy into action.

Dunamis and Faith: Power in Relationship

Jesus often emphasized that faith and healing go hand in hand. In other words, faith transforms potential power into real change.

In physics terms, Dunamis is like the bow drawn tight—potential energy ready to move. Faith releases the arrow.

Our relationship with Christ gives us direct access to that same healing power. Through the Holy Spirit, we carry within us the potential energy of God’s love and restoration. Therefore, the question isn’t whether we possess the power—it’s whether we’re willing to release it.

Dunamis in Recovery: From Potential to Action

For anyone seeking freedom from addiction, this message holds special meaning. Faith in Jesus Christ unlocks the healing power of the Holy Spirit.

Because of your relationship with Christ, you already possess everything you need—the potential power, the Dunamis—to walk in healing and recovery.

Now is the time to turn that potential into movement. As a result, faith becomes action, and action becomes freedom. It’s time to release the bowstring and let the arrow fly.

Want to unlock the power of faith-based recovery for yourself?

If you’re ready to grow in faith and experience the power of Christ-centered recovery, explore these resources from The Dunamis Initiative:

• Download Chapter 1 of The Dunamis Effect — Get a free preview of the book that’s helping people move beyond sobriety toward lasting spiritual transformation.
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• Read About The Dunamis Effect — Discover how this faith-based approach to the 12 Steps can change your recovery journey.
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• Explore The Dunamis Effect Companion Workbook — Apply the principles of faith-based recovery through guided reflection and exercises.
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• Check Out Prayers & Promises of A.A. — A spiritual companion that pairs scripture with the foundational principles of the 12 Steps.
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Your next step toward healing could start with one of these books. Each one is designed to help you build strength, grow in faith, and discover the transforming power of Christ-centered recovery.