1. Revelation 17:13 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What is the difference between “power” and “authority”?

Revelation 17:13 (ESV)

13 These are of one mind, and they hand over their power and authority to the beast.

The term translated as “power” speaks of strength, force, ability, might. The term captures something intrinsic to being a “horn.” “Authority,” in contrast, refers to having the right to exercise power. The picture, then, is that these kings have a God-given right to rule (“authority”) yet use their “power” beyond the parameters God intended (i.e., to assist the beast).