δυνατέω (dunateō)
dunateō
be able
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb dunateō conveys the capacity to be powerful or mighty, rooted in the adjective dunatos meaning "able" or "strong." In the New Testament, it appears only three times, primarily in Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians. It describes a state of having inherent strength or capability, often functioning as the opposite of weakness.
Paul uses this term to highlight divine empowerment rather than human effort. For instance, in Romans 14:4, he asks who has the standing to judge another, implying that only God possesses the ultimate power to establish or condemn. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 9:8, he speaks of God’s ability to make all grace abound, ensuring believers have everything they need for every good work.
In 2 Corinthians 13:3, Paul contrasts his own weakness with Christ’s power, noting that Christ speaks not through human eloquence but through divine might. This usage underscores a theological point: true strength comes from God, who enables believers to fulfill their calling despite their limitations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word dunateō reminds us that true capability comes from God alone. It describes a power that does not rely on human effort or status. When we feel inadequate, this term points to a divine strength that sustains us. It is not about our own might, but about the grace that enables us to stand firm.
In Romans 14:4, Paul uses this concept to show that only God has the power to establish another person. We do not need to judge or control outcomes because God is able to make His servants stand. This truth frees us from anxiety and pride. We can trust that God’s strength is sufficient for every situation.
Similarly, 2 Corinthians 9:8 assures us that God is able to provide all we need. He does not just give enough; He makes grace abound so we can do good works. This is not about our ability to earn favor, but about His willingness to empower us. We rest in the knowledge that He is powerful in us, even when we feel weak.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- is able1×
- able is1×
- He is powerful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δυνατεῖ2×
- Δυνατεῖ1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 14:4
Who are you who judge another’s servant? To his own lord he stands or falls. Yes, he will be made to stand, for God has power to make him stand.
This verse uses dunateō to emphasize that only God has the ultimate power to establish or condemn another person's standing.
-
II Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
Here the word highlights God's ability to supply abundant grace, ensuring believers have everything needed for every good work.
-
II Corinthians 13:3
seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me who is not weak, but is powerful in you.
Paul contrasts his own weakness with Christ's power, showing that Christ speaks through divine might rather than human eloquence.