Acts 1:7

The phrase τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐξουσίᾳ employs the feminine singular dative article τῇ with ἰδίᾳ, an adjective meaning “own” or “private,” modifying ἐξουσίᾳ (dative singular of ἐξουσία), which denotes “authority” or “power.” The construction thus literally means “by (or with) his/her own authority,” emphasizing the personal, inherent, or non-delegated nature of the authority in question. Such phrasing is commonly found in classical Greek texts to distinguish between an individual’s intrinsic right or power versus externally conferred or collective authority. The dative case here is instrumental, indicating the means or basis by which an action is undertaken.

Traditional biases reflecting the assumption of male agency in matters of power and control led to the traditional translation of "his own authority." However, the grammatical form itself is gender-neutral, allowing for either masculine or feminine reference depending on context or bias.