ABSTRACT
This chapter examines what the words essence and energies mean in the writings of St Gregory Palamas. Going beyond the etymology and philosophical background of these difficult terms, it explores the ways that Palamas illustrates their wider meaning through synonyms, glosses, and theological explication. In addition to providing a catalog of the specific realities labeled ‘energies’ by Palamas, it seeks to expand the understanding of how Gregory uses the term energeia by exploring his complete lexicon for talking about God’s energies. It advocates for moving beyond the narrow connotations of activity and operation, highlighting especially the language of power, predication, and essential properties.
