The powers that be (phrase)

In idiomatic English, "the powers that be" is a phrase used to refer to those individuals or groups who collectively hold authority over a particular domain. It is a plurale tantum; the singular equivalent, "the power that is," is less commonly used.

The abbreviation TPTB is used in Angel.

The phrase often connotes a sense of resignation or cynicism.^{[citation needed]} For instance, the phrase The powers that be have decided... might suggest that the decision made is unfathomable to the speaker and possibly even arbitrary. The authority of the "powers," and their right to make the decision, is not itself necessarily questioned.

However, the song Powderfinger, by Neil Young uses the phrase to refer to an ambiguous spiritual powers, not political powers.

Some examples of "powers that be" are:

• Governments, both central and local, and the accompanying civil service
• The upper management of a business
• Those who control the dissemination of information.
• Controlling bodies in any organization or activity

Origin

The phrase first appeared in Tyndale's 1526 translation of the New Testament,^{[citation needed]} with the meaning "the established political powers": "Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: The powers that be are ordained of God" (Romans 13:1). It was incorporated into the King James Version, whence it eventually passed into popular language.^{[citation needed]}

The phrase is a translation of the Koine Greek αἱ ... οὖσαι [ἐξουσίαι] (hai ... oûsai [exousíai]). ἐξουσίαι is translated as "authorities" in some other translations.