POWER
The two main words translated “power” in the NT are: (a) “dynamis” and (b) “exousia.” It is important to discriminate between the two, because they do not mean the same thing.
“Dynamis” can be described as “moral or physical capacity, power.” “Exousia” means “delegated authority, right, privilege.”
The latter always involves the power to exercise law, but the former does not carry any concept of right or authority.
Thus, “dynamis” translates capacity, effectiveness, force, wonder, miracle, power, potency, sign, value, which helps more to see the character of this word, in contrast to “exousia”, which translates authority, right, jurisdiction, freedom, power, authority.
The term “power” appears in both lists, and any ambiguity must be avoided: “Exousia” is frequently translated as “power”, when another term might give a better meaning.
Thus, “power” (or “authority”) is correctly translated: “the Son of man has power (or authority)” (Mt. 9:6; cf. 28:18; Mark 2:10; Luke 4: 6; Jn. 17:2; Col. 1:13, etc.).
On the other hand, it is translated “power” in the Reina-Valera 1960 version in passages such as Lk. 12:5; Jn. 10:18; Acts. 5:4; 8:19; Rev. 9:3, 10, 19; 11:6; 14:18; 16:9; 18:1, where it would be better translated as “authority,” “right,” or “power.”
To recapitulate, “dynamis” means only force or power, while “exousia” denotes a delegated right or power, with the power necessary to put it into effect.