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Are Might and Power the Same?

By February 1, 1991November 9th, 2022No Comments

Q.

Why does Zechariah 4:6 say, “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts”? Wouldn’t might and power be the same?

A.
They are two different Hebrew words. So an intended distinction is made here, though the words are still related. Someone commenting on this passage likened it to the words “brawn” and “brains” (physical strength and mental stamina). Other scholars have suggested that “might” refers to collective, military strength, and “power” speaks of an individual’s manpower. So the words are similar, yet the passage uses both terms for emphasis.

This article appeared in the “Q & A” column of the Baptist Bulletin (February 1991) by Norman A. Olson. 

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