δυνατός (dunatos)
dunatos
able
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 32 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective dunatos describes someone or something that is strong, powerful, or able to do a specific task. Derived from the verb for "to have power," it appears frequently in the New Testament to describe human capability as well as divine strength. In Luke 1:49, Mary praises God because He is mighty, while in Acts 7:22, Moses is depicted as powerful in his speech and deeds before Pharaoh.
A key feature of this word is its use with an infinitive to express ability, such as when Paul writes that God is able to make all grace abound (2 Corinthians 9:8). It also shifts meaning when used in the neuter form, dunaton, to mean "possible." Jesus uses this sense in Mark 10:27 to declare that while salvation is impossible for humans, it is possible for God.
The sources note that dunatos often carries a nuance of competence or fitness for a role. In Romans 15:1, believers who are strong are urged to bear with the failings of the weak, highlighting a strength rooted in endurance and spiritual maturity rather than mere force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word δυνατὸς (dunatos) simply means 'able' or 'powerful,' yet it carries a quiet comfort for those who feel limited by their own strength. It reminds us that capability is not always about human effort but often about divine enablement. When we face situations that seem beyond our reach, this word points to a source of strength that does not run out.
In the New Testament, it describes both God’s mighty acts and the competence He gives to believers. Mary used it to praise God for His great deeds, while Paul spoke of spiritual weapons that are powerful before God. It invites us to rely on Him rather than our own resources, trusting that what is impossible for us is possible with Him.
This assurance allows us to serve with confidence and hope. We do not need to carry the weight of every outcome alone. Instead, we can rest in the knowledge that God is able to equip us for every task and sustain us through every challenge.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 32 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- possible10×
- able7×
- strong3×
- mighty3×
- powerful,1×
- powerful1×
- power1×
- possible,1×
- are possible1×
- able [was]1×
- [in] power1×
- [are] possible1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δυνατὸς8×
- δυνατὸν5×
- δυνατός4×
- δυνατὰ4×
- δυνατοὶ3×
- δυνατόν,2×
- δυνατόν2×
- δυνατά2×
- δυνατός·1×
- δυνατοί,1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 10:27
Jesus, looking at them, said, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God.”
Jesus uses this word to contrast human impossibility with God’s absolute ability, offering hope when circumstances seem closed.
-
Luke 1:49
For he who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is his name.
Mary applies it to God to acknowledge His mighty nature and the significant role He plays in history.
-
Romans 15:1
Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
Paul describes believers as 'strong' or 'able,' linking this capability to the practical duty of bearing with others’ weaknesses.
-
Acts 7:22
Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was mighty in his words and works.
This verse highlights Moses’ competence in speech and action, showing how God’s power can manifest through human skill.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does δυνατὸς (dunatos) mean in the Bible?
How is this word different from other Greek words for power?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (32 verses across 12 books)
Matthew 3 verses
Looking at them, Jesus said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 24:24For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if…
Matthew 26:39He went forward a little, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away…