Difference Between Omniscient and Omnipotent

June 2023 · 5 minute read

Terms and concepts have varying connotations and meanings. As a result, it often becomes confusing to differentiate between terminologies. Omniscient and Omnipotent are two words that have different practical applications. Although the two may seem similar, they have considerable differences.

Omniscient and Omnipotent

The main difference between omniscient and omnipotent is that omniscient is the possession of complete knowledge or awareness. On the other hand, Omnipotent is the unlimited authority or power of an individual. An example of omniscient is an omniscient author. On the other hand, omnipotent is an omnipotent ruler. 

Omniscient refers to infinite awareness, understanding, and insight. Omniscient can have a practical application both as a noun and an adjective. In addition, it may have a use to address the characteristics of a creator or a supreme being. To conclude, omniscient refers to the multitude of knowledge that knows no bounds. 

Omnipotent refers to unlimited or complete power. Omnipotent has use in association with God with unlimited powers. The word omnipotent came from the Anglo-French to English. The Supreme faith of all religions is omnipotent. In addition, synonyms of omnipotent are almighty or all-powerful. An omnipotent individual has control of all situations and circumstances.

Comparison Table Between Omniscient and Omnipotent

Parameters of ComparisonOmniscientOmnipotent
Definition Omniscient refers to infinite awareness, understanding, and insight. Consider, for example, an omniscient author.Omnipotent refers to unlimited or complete power.
Another MeaningAnother meaning of omniscient is the possession of complete knowledge or awareness. Another definition of omnipotent is unlimited authority or power of an individual. 
OriginOmniscient originates from two Latin words omni and scire which mean all and to know respectively.The word omnipotent originates from the Latin words omni and potens which means all and potent respectively.
Year of UseThe word omniscient was first used in 1598 to indicate infinite knowledge and awareness. Omnipotent has had a practical application as an English adjective from the beginning of the 14th century. 
ExampleAn omniscient authorAn omnipotent ruler

What is Omniscient?

By definition, omniscient refers to infinite awareness, understanding, and insight. Consider, for example, an omniscient author. Here, omniscient implies the vast knowledge of the author. Another meaning of omniscient is the possession of complete knowledge or awareness. For example, omniscient God refers to the limitless awareness of God. 

An omniscient person knows all. The word omniscient has been in use since the start of the 17th century. It originates from two Latin words Omni and scire connotating all and to know. An adverb from omniscient is omnisciently. The word omniscient was first used in 1598 to indicate infinite knowledge and awareness. 

Omniscient can have a practical application both as a noun and an adjective. In addition, it may have a use to address the characteristics of a creator or a supreme being. Omniscient also refers to the totality of an individual’s character traits. God has a definition of an omniscient and omnipotent being in Christian mythology. 

Omniscient has two categories: inherent and total. Inherent refers to the knowledge of what should be known and what can be known. Total, on the other hand, refers to the universality of knowledge despite any inclination or desire. To conclude, omniscient refers to the multitude of knowledge that knows no bounds. 

What is Omnipotent?

By definition, omnipotent refers to unlimited or complete power. Omnipotent has use in association with God. Another definition of omnipotent is unlimited authority or power of an individual. Consider, for instance, an omnipotent ruler. Here, omnipotent refers to the limitless power of the ruler. 

Adjective forms of omnipotent are omnipotently and non-omnipotently. In addition, synonyms of omnipotent are almighty or all-powerful. An omnipotent individual has total control of all situations and circumstances. Heads of states or powerful monarchs are defined as powerful or omnipotent in their rules and jurisdiction. 

The word omnipotent originates from the Latin words Omni and potens meaning all and potent. Omnipotent has had a practical application as an English adjective from the beginning of the 14th century. From the beginning of the 17th century, omnipotent also has a use as a noun. The word omnipotent came from the Anglo-French to English. 

The Supreme faith of all religions is classified as omnipotent. Believers of different religions attribute ultimate power to their respective Gods. In addition, the omnipotence of the Supreme faith indicates their ability to exercise their limitless authority. To conclude, Omnipotents possess indefinite power and authority. 

Main Differences Between Omniscient and Omnipotent

  • Omniscient refers to infinite awareness, understanding, and insight. Consider, for example, an omniscient author. In contrast, omnipotent refers to unlimited or complete power. 
  • Omniscient originates from two Latin words Omni and scire which mean all and to know. On the other hand, the word omnipotent originates from the Latin words Omni and potens which means all and potent.
  • Another meaning of omniscient is the possession of complete knowledge or awareness. On the other hand, another definition of omnipotent is unlimited authority or power of an individual.
  • The word omniscient was first used in 1598 to indicate infinite knowledge and awareness. In contrast, omnipotent has had a practical application as an English adjective from the beginning of the 14th century.
  • An example of omniscient is an omniscient author. On the other hand, omnipotent is an omnipotent ruler. 
  • Conclusion

    Thus, omniscient and omnipotent have varying differences. The word omniscient has initial use in 1598 to indicate infinite knowledge and awareness. In contrast, omnipotent has had a practical application as an English adjective from the beginning of the 14th century.

    Omniscient also refers to the totality of an individual’s character traits. God is an omniscient and omnipotent being in Christian mythology. On the other hand, the Supreme faith of all religions is omnipotent. Believers of different religions attribute ultimate power to their respective Gods. 

    References

  • https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00201748208601963 
  • https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9780203131596-12/omniscient-omnipotent-omnipresent-gestapo-society-resistance-klaus-michael-mallmann-gerhard-paul 
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