die Macht (pl. Mächte) – power
IPA: [maχt]
Fähigkeit, auf andere Einfluss ausüben zu können, auch gegen deren Willen.
The ability to influence others, even against their will.
[Source: Wiktionary]
Epheser 6,10 Übrigens, Brüder, seid stark in dem Herrn und in der Macht seiner Stärke.
Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Before, I had not considered that strength, power, and might were so similar that there could be a single word for it in German: Macht.
Wiktionary says that Einfluss (influence) is a synonym of Macht. I think that it’s somewhat different.
Power, in my mind, has close links to brute strength, for lack of a better word. Influence, on the other hand, might be a shade softer. There can be influence without the in-your-face strength. Subtle influence. Something that might be even more dangerous, for its duplicity. Pretending to be something on the surface, but guiding you in another direction below it.
For this verse, though, I think of power as something that also provides security. That relying on God means that we can be sure that we are protected. Power is something that doesn’t hide. It makes itself known, and it shows itself for what it is.
When I think of God’s power, I also remember my weakness, and I am glad that I have Someone whom I can rely on every day.
Leave a Reply