jōō - ris - dik´shun ( ἐξουσία , exousı́a ): The word exousia is well known in New Testament Greek. It is derived from the word éxesti , and suggests the absence of any hindrance to an act. It contains the idea of right and might (Cremer). In the New Testament it means right, authority, capability ( Romans 9:21 ); power, strength (Matthew 9:8 ); right and might (John 5:27 ). Thus it gets the meaning of the powers of the magistrate, which it bears in later Greek (Titus 3:1; Romans 13:1-3 ). And in this sense it is used in Luke 23:7 , where it is translated "jurisdiction."
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) was edited by James Orr, John Nuelsen, Edgar Mullins, Morris Evans, and Melvin Grove Kyle and was published complete in 1939. This web site includes the complete text.
WikipediaThe ISBE is a classic Bible reference compiled from nearly 10,000 entries written by over 200 different Bible scholars and teachers. In addition to the encyclopedia articles, all of the major words of the Bible are represented and defined.
The historical, cultural, and linguistic information in the ISBE can be of great value in Bible study and research.
But as with any writings of men, the careful student of the Bible must always compare them with Scripture. As you use this helpful study resource, remember that only God's word is pure.
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