Bible Dictionary
OPERATION
Operation means work, activity, or effective power. Scripture uses it for God’s creative work, the Spirit’s working through spiritual gifts, and God’s power in raising Christ and bringing believers to new life.
Definition
Operation is work, activity, or effective power. The term may describe God’s creative work, the Holy Spirit’s effective working, or the divine power by which spiritual gifts are bestowed and Christ is raised.
Biblical Usage
In the Old Testament, operation is used of God’s creative work. In the New Testament, it describes the Holy Spirit’s working through spiritual gifts and the operation of God in Christ’s resurrection, by which those dead in sins are raised through faith to newness of life.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>op-er-a'-shun (ma`ashe, "work"; energeia, energema, "energy"): Twice used in the Old Testament of God's creative work (Ps 28:4,5; Isa 5:12). The Holy Spirit's inworking and power are manifest in the bestowal of spiritual gifts on individuals and on the church (1Co 12:6 the King James Version), and in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, through which energy or operation of God those dead in sins are, through faith, raised to newness of life (Col 2:12 the King James Version).</p>