δυνατέω

Pronunciation Guide: doo-nat-eh’-o (the ‘e’ in ‘eh’ is pronounced as in ‘met’, with emphasis on the second syllable)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1414: Δυνατέω (dunateo) describes having the ability, power, or strength to accomplish something. It denotes being capable, mighty, or strong enough to achieve a specific outcome. This term emphasizes the possession of inherent capacity or empowerment that enables effective action or influence, especially in circumstances that might otherwise seem impossible.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of speech: Verb
• Root word: δυνατός (dunatos, “powerful, capable, able”)
• Ultimate derivation: δύναμις (dunamis, “power, strength, ability”)
• Language origin: Koine Greek
• Primary usage: Epistolary literature, particularly Pauline writings
• Relatively rare in New Testament (appears only 3 times)
• Appears primarily in context of spiritual ability/capability

Δυνατέω Morphology:

• δυνατέω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I am able/capable
• δυνατεῖ (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it is able/capable
• δυνατοῦμεν (present active indicative, 1st person plural) – we are able/capable

Origin & History

The verb δυνατέω developed from the adjective δυνατός (dunatos, “powerful”), which itself derives from the noun δύναμις (dunamis, “power”). This word family appears extensively in classical Greek literature, where authors like Thucydides and Xenophon employed it to describe military might and political capability. In his “History of the Peloponnesian War,” Thucydides frequently uses δυνατός to describe powerful city-states and influential individuals.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the adjective δυνατός appears frequently, particularly in descriptions of God’s might and the abilities He bestows upon His chosen servants. However, the specific verb form δυνατέω is quite rare in pre-New Testament literature, suggesting that its usage in the apostolic writings represents a specialized development within early Messianic communities to express particular nuances of spiritual empowerment. When the Apostle Paul employs this term, he appears to be drawing on this rich semantic heritage while applying it specifically to the realm of spiritual capability that comes from God.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The inherent ability or power to accomplish a specific task
• The state of being capable or competent in a particular area
• The condition of possessing sufficient might or strength
• Divinely-granted capability that transcends natural limitations

Δυνατέω Translation Options:

• “To be able” – Emphasizes the possession of capability rather than the exercise of it
• “To be powerful” – Highlights the strength aspect of the term, particularly useful when contrasting with weakness
• “To be empowered” – Captures the sense of received ability, particularly appropriate in theological contexts
• “To be capable” – Stresses competence and adequacy for a specific task or purpose
• “To have strength” – Useful when the emphasis is on endurance or perseverance

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, δυνατέω appears just three times, each instance revealing important theological nuances about spiritual capability. Its first appearance is in 2 Corinthians 13:3, where Paul speaks of the Messiah who “is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful [δυνατεῖ] among you.” This usage connects divine power with authoritative action within the community of believers.

The remaining occurrences further develop this theological concept of God-given capability. In Romans 14:4, Paul assures believers that a fellow servant will stand despite human judgment because “the Lord is able [δυνατεῖ] to make them stand.” This highlights God’s sustaining power working through human weakness. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 9:8, the apostle declares that “God is able [δυνατεῖ] to make all grace abound to you,” emphasizing divine capacity to supply abundant spiritual resources beyond human limitation.

• “Since you are demanding proof that the Messiah is speaking through me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful [δυνατεῖ] among you.” 2 Corinthians 13:3
• “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able [δυνατεῖ] to make them stand.” Romans 14:4
• “And God is able [δυνατεῖ] to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world of the first century, the concept of power (δύναμις) and ability (δυνατέω) had significant cultural implications. The elite of society measured status by one’s power to influence events and command resources. Within this context, Paul’s use of δυνατέω represents a profound cultural inversion—he locates true power not in social status or political might, but in divine empowerment that often manifests through human weakness.

This counterintuitive understanding aligns with Jewish theological traditions that recognized יהוה (Yahweh) as the ultimate source of all power and ability. The Hebrew concept of גְּבוּרָה (gevurah, “might” or “strength”) was frequently associated with divine rather than human capability. When Jewish believers encountered Paul’s usage of δυνατέω, they would have naturally connected it with this established understanding of God as the source of all genuine power. This cultural background illuminates why Paul so confidently asserts that God “is able” (δυνατεῖ) to accomplish what humans cannot, reflecting the traditional Jewish reliance on divine rather than human capability.

Theological Significance

The term δυνατέω occupies a crucial place in Pauline theology, particularly in his understanding of divine empowerment amid human limitation. When Paul writes that “God is able” (δυνατεῖ), he’s not merely making a statement about theoretical possibility but declaring an essential attribute of God’s character—His unlimited capability to fulfill His promises and purposes. This understanding forms a cornerstone of biblical faith; believers trust not in their own abilities but in the God who is perpetually and perfectly capable.

Moreover, the connection between δυνατέω and the presence of the Messiah in 2 Corinthians 13:3 reveals the incarnational aspect of divine power. The Messiah’s power (δυνατεῖ) operates “among you” (ἐν ὑμῖν), suggesting that divine capability doesn’t remain distant but becomes immanently present within the community of faith. This theological insight transforms our understanding of spiritual empowerment—it is not merely God doing things for us but rather God working His power through us. The indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit becomes the means by which the capability of God (δυνατέω) becomes manifest in human experience and ministry.

Personal Application

Understanding δυνατέω invites us to recalibrate our approach to spiritual challenges. When facing situations that exceed our natural capabilities, we often assess primarily what we can accomplish through human effort. The biblical concept of δυνατέω shifts our perspective from self-reliance to God-dependence. Rather than asking, “Am I able?” we learn to ask, “Is God able through me?”

This shift transforms our approach to seemingly impossible circumstances. Whether facing personal temptations, difficult ministry challenges, or overwhelming life situations, we can rest in the assurance that divine capability doesn’t depend on human strength. The same God who Paul declared “is able” (δυνατεῖ) to make all grace abound continues to exercise that capability today. When we align ourselves with His purposes and rely on His strength, we discover that our limitations become the very spaces where His empowerment (δυνατέω) shines most brightly.

Related Words

• δύναμις (dunamis, DOO-na-mis) – the actual power, strength, or ability; focuses on the inherent capacity rather than its exercise. While δυνατέω describes being able, δύναμις names the power itself that makes one able. See G1411
• ἐνδυναμόω (endunamoō, en-doo-na-MO-oh) – to strengthen, empower, or enable; emphasizes the process of receiving power rather than possessing it. This compound verb adds the dimension of power being infused into someone. See G1743
• ἰσχύω (ischuō, is-KHU-oh) – to be strong, able, or powerful; often carries connotations of physical strength or force. While δυνατέω relates more to capability, ἰσχύω focuses on exercising strength. See G2480
• ἐξουσία (exousia, ex-oo-SEE-ah) – authority, right, permission; emphasizes delegated power or the right to exercise power. Where δυνατέω is about capability, ἐξουσία concerns authorization. See G1849
• κράτος (kratos, KRA-tos) – strength, might, dominion; often used for overwhelming power or ruling strength. While δυνατέω is capability, κράτος is dominance or superior strength. See G2904

Did You Know?

• The English word “dynamite” derives from the same Greek root (δύναμις) as δυνατέω, though Alfred Nobel’s invention came nearly two millennia after Paul’s writings. When modern readers encounter δυνατέω and related terms in Scripture, the explosive power of dynamite might come to mind, but this creates a potential anachronism. The New Testament concept isn’t about explosive force but about sustainable divine capability working through human vessels.
• In ancient Greek medical writings, particularly those of Hippocrates and Galen, terms from the δύναμις word family described the body’s innate capacity to heal itself. This medical usage may have influenced Paul’s understanding of δυνατέω as God’s healing and restoring power working within the community of faith, addressing spiritual ailments much as the body’s δύναμις addressed physical ones.
• The rabbinic concept of “יְכֹלֶת” (yecholet, “capability”) in Jewish thought closely parallels δυνατέω. Traditional Jewish prayers often acknowledge that true capability comes from יהוה (Yahweh) alone. When Paul employs δυνατέω, he’s likely drawing on this established theological framework that would have resonated deeply with Jewish believers in his audience, creating a bridge between Greek linguistic expression and Hebrew theological understanding.

Remember This

Δυνατέω reminds us that genuine capability doesn’t originate in human strength but flows from divine empowerment—God specializes in demonstrating His unlimited power through limited vessels.