יָכֹל (ya.khol)
ya.khol
be able
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 169 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yāḵōl means to have the capacity or power to do something, covering physical strength, moral will, and external authority. It appears frequently in Genesis and Jeremiah, describing situations where characters either succeed in an action or find themselves unable to proceed. The word is broad enough to encompass enduring hardship, prevailing over an opponent, or simply possessing the ability to accomplish a task.
A notable nuance is its use for moral inability. In Genesis 37:4, Jacob’s sons "could not" speak peaceably to Joseph, indicating a refusal of the heart rather than a lack of skill. Similarly, it describes enduring pain or burden, as seen in Jeremiah 44:22 where God’s patience was exhausted because the people could no longer bear the abominations they practiced.
Its etymology links to holding or sustaining, suggesting that ability is often about what one can carry or contain. Translators render it variously as "can," "be able," "prevail," or "endure" depending on context. This range shows that biblical power is not just force but the sustained capacity to act or withstand.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yāḵōl reminds us that true strength is often found in recognizing our limits. In Genesis 13:6, Abraham and Lot’s herds were so large that the land simply could not hold them both. This physical constraint forced a decision to separate, preventing conflict from destroying their relationship. Sometimes we face situations where our resources or energy are stretched too thin, and acknowledging that we cannot do everything at once is a wise step toward peace.
There is also a deeper emotional layer to this word. In Genesis 45:1, Joseph could no longer control himself before his brothers. His overwhelming love and relief broke through his composure, leading to a moment of raw honesty that restored his family. God often uses our vulnerability rather than hiding it. When we admit we cannot handle a burden alone, we open space for divine help.
Whether you are facing physical exhaustion or moral inability, as seen in Genesis 37:4 where Joseph’s brothers could not speak peaceably to him, this word invites trust. It does not demand that you force a solution when the path is blocked. Instead, it encourages you to rest in the capacity God provides for each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 169 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they were able24×
- you will be able19×
- I am able16×
- he will be able11×
- he was able11×
- I will be able8×
- we are able7×
- it is able7×
- is he able6×
- he is able6×
- they will prevail5×
- you will prevail4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יוּכַ֣ל8×
- יוּכַ֥ל7×
- אוּכַל֙7×
- אוּכַ֖ל7×
- תוּכַ֖ל5×
- יוּכַ֖ל5×
- נוּכַ֖ל4×
- יוּכַל֙4×
- יוּכְל֖וּ4×
- יָכֹ֣ל4×
- יָכְל֖וּ4×
- אוּכַ֥ל4×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 13:6
The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they couldn’t live together.
This verse shows how physical limits can prevent conflict by forcing necessary separation.
-
Genesis 45:1
Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he called out, “Cause everyone to go out from me!” No one else stood with him, while Joseph made himself known to his brothers.
Here the word describes an emotional breaking point where Joseph’s restraint fails due to overwhelming joy.
-
Genesis 37:4
His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak peaceably to him.
The brothers’ inability to speak peaceably reveals a moral refusal rooted in jealousy rather than a lack of skill.
-
Genesis 15:5
Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He said to Abram, “So your offspring will be.”
God uses the concept of counting stars to illustrate that Abram’s future offspring will exceed human calculation abilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does yāḵōl mean in the Old Testament?
How is yāḵōl different from other words for power?
Why does the Bible say people 'could not' do something?
Every Occurrence (169 verses across 31 books)
Genesis 19 verses
The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they…
Genesis 13:16I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can count the dust of the earth, then your…
Genesis 15:5Yahweh brought him outside, and said, “Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” He…
Genesis 19:19See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown…
Genesis 19:22Hurry, escape there, for I can’t do anything until you get there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
Genesis 24:50Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can’t speak to you bad or good.
Genesis 29:8They said, “We can’t, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then…
Genesis 30:8Rachel said, “I have wrestled with my sister with mighty wrestlings, and have prevailed.” She named him Naphtali.
Genesis 31:35She said to her father, “Don’t let my lord be angry that I can’t rise up before you; for I’m having my period.” He…
Genesis 34:14and said to them, “We can’t do this thing, to give our sister to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us.
Genesis 36:7For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn’t bear them because…
Genesis 37:4His brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, and they hated him, and couldn’t speak…
Genesis 43:32They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the…
Genesis 44:1He commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each…
Genesis 44:22We said to my lord, ‘The boy can’t leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’
Genesis 44:26We said, ‘We can’t go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the man’s…
Genesis 45:1Then Joseph couldn’t control himself before all those who stood before him, and he called out, “Cause everyone to go…
Genesis 45:3Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Does my father still live?” His brothers couldn’t answer him; for they were…
Genesis 48:10Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he couldn’t see well. Joseph brought them near to him; and he kissed…