יְכִל (ye.khel)
ye.khel
be able
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb yekhel, appearing primarily in the book of Daniel, conveys the capacity to be strong or to prevail. In its six occurrences, it rarely describes mere physical strength; instead, it points to a sustained ability to endure pressure or hold one’s ground against opposition. The root suggests an inner resourcefulness that allows a person or group to withstand external forces without collapsing.
Its usage often highlights resilience in the face of adversity. For instance, when Daniel and his companions are tested by the Babylonian court, their ability to remain faithful is described with this term, indicating they could hold their own against cultural pressure. The word implies that their strength was not just momentary but durable enough to last through prolonged trials.
Translators typically render yekhel as "be able" or "prevail," capturing the sense of successful endurance. Unlike words for sudden power, this term emphasizes a steady, reliable capability. It reflects a confidence rooted in divine support, showing that true strength is measured by the ability to stand firm when circumstances demand it.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word yekhel speaks to a quiet, enduring capacity that goes beyond fleeting energy. It describes the ability to hold one's ground when pressure mounts, suggesting an inner resilience rooted in something deeper than human effort. In the book of Daniel, this term highlights how faithful individuals maintained their integrity despite overwhelming cultural forces.
When facing impossible demands or life-threatening situations, this word reminds us that true strength is not about sudden power but sustained faithfulness. It points to a confidence that comes from trusting in divine support, allowing believers to stand firm through prolonged trials without collapsing under the weight of adversity.
This understanding offers comfort for those navigating difficult seasons. It encourages us to rely on a strength that endures, knowing that our ability to persevere is connected to a source greater than ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- you will be able1×
- you have been able1×
- you are able1×
- he will be able1×
- he is able1×
- [is] being able1×
- [are] being able1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תִּכ֨וּל1×
- תִיכּ֥וּל1×
- יוּכַ֖ל1×
- יָכִ֖ל1×
- יָכְלִ֖ין1×
- יִכֻּ֥ל1×
- יְכֵ֔לְתָּ1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 3:17
If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
This verse uses yekhel to express Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's confident belief that God has the power to deliver them, even if He chooses not to.
-
Daniel 2:47
The king answered to Daniel, and said, “Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer of secrets, since you have been able to reveal this secret.”
Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges that Daniel was able to reveal the secret, attributing this capability to the sovereignty of Daniel's God.
-
Daniel 3:29
Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other god who is able to deliver like this.”
The king decrees protection for the faithful because no other god is able to deliver in such a definitive way, highlighting the unique power of Israel's God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word yekhel mean?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
How is yekhel different from other words for strength?
Every Occurrence (6 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 6 verses
The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no…
Daniel 2:27Daniel answered before the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded can’t be shown to the king by wise…
Daniel 2:47The king answered to Daniel, and said, “Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer…
Daniel 3:17If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out…
Daniel 3:29Therefore I make a decree that every people, nation, and language which speak anything evil against the God of…
Daniel 5:16But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and…