ἀδυνατέω

to be impossible

Definition

The verb ἀδυνατέω means 'to be impossible' or 'to be unable.' It describes a state where something cannot happen or be done, often due to inherent limitations or external circumstances. In Matthew 17:20, Jesus uses it to declare that 'nothing will be impossible' for those with faith, emphasizing the removal of limitations through divine power. In Luke 1:37, the angel Gabriel states that 'nothing will be impossible with God,' highlighting God's omnipotence in accomplishing His will, such as the virgin birth.

Biblical Usage

ἀδυνατέω appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospels, and is used in contexts emphasizing divine possibility versus human limitation. In Matthew 17:20, it follows the disciples' failure to heal a boy, where Jesus contrasts their lack of faith with God's unlimited power. In Luke 1:37, it reassures Mary of God's ability to fulfill the miraculous promise of Jesus' birth. Both uses underscore a theological theme: what seems impossible from a human perspective is achievable through God's intervention.

Etymology

Derived from the prefix ἀ- (a-), meaning 'not' or 'without,' combined with the root δυνατέω (dynateō), meaning 'to be able' or 'to have power.' The root is related to δύναμις (dynamis, G1411), meaning 'power' or 'ability.' Thus, ἀδυνατέω literally means 'to be without power' or 'to lack ability,' evolving to convey impossibility in both classical and biblical Greek.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it contrasts human limitation with God's omnipotence. In Matthew 17:20 and Luke 1:37, it reinforces key doctrines of faith and divine sovereignty, showing that God's power transcends natural laws. Understanding ἀδυνατέω enriches Bible reading by highlighting moments where biblical narratives pivot from impossibility to miracle, encouraging trust in God's capabilities over human reasoning.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of impossibility often related to fate or natural limits, but the New Testament recontextualizes it within a Jewish-Christian framework of a personal, all-powerful God. Unlike pagan beliefs where gods might be constrained, the biblical use asserts God's absolute authority over all circumstances, challenging cultural assumptions about what can or cannot occur.

δύναμαι (dynamai, G1410) — a more general term for 'to be able' or 'to have power,' without the negative prefix. ἀδύνατος (adynatos, G102) — an adjective meaning 'impossible' or 'powerless,' describing a state rather than an action like the verb ἀδυνατέω.

Word Details

Scripture References