ἀδύνατος

incapable, impossible

Definition

The adjective ἀδύνατος describes a state of being 'unable' or 'incapable' when referring to persons, and 'impossible' when referring to things or situations. In reference to people, it denotes a lack of power or ability, as seen in the lame man at Lystra (Acts 14:8) or the spiritually weak (Romans 15:1). When describing things, it signifies an impossibility, most famously in Jesus's declaration that 'with God all things are possible' (Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 18:27), implying that what is ἀδύνατος for humans is not so for God. It also describes the inherent impossibility of certain spiritual states, like the impossibility of renewing certain fallen individuals to repentance (Hebrews 6:4, 6).

Biblical Usage

ἀδύνατος is used across Gospels, Acts, Pauline epistles, and Hebrews. A key pattern is its use in contrasting human limitation with divine omnipotence, especially in the Synoptic Gospels' 'with God all things are possible' sayings. In Romans, it describes human inability under the law (Romans 8:3) and the obligation of the strong to bear with the 'weak' (Romans 15:1). In Hebrews, it describes the immutable nature of God's promise (Hebrews 6:18) and a severe spiritual condition (Hebrews 6:4, 6).

Etymology

Derived from the alpha-privative prefix ἀ- (a-, meaning 'not' or 'without') combined with the root δυνατός (dynatos, G1415), meaning 'able,' 'powerful,' or 'possible.' It is the direct negative form of δυνατός, thus meaning 'not able' or 'not possible.' Its root is connected to δύναμις (dynamis, G1411), meaning 'power' or 'miracle.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights a core biblical theme: the contrast between human limitation and divine sovereignty. It underscores humanity's inherent spiritual inability, as in Romans 8:3 where the law was 'weakened by the flesh,' pointing to the necessity of Christ's work. The famous gospel passages (e.g., Matthew 19:26) use it to elevate faith in God's omnipotence over seemingly hopeless situations. In Hebrews, it defines the absolute reliability of God's promises (Hebrews 6:18) and the grave seriousness of apostasy (Hebrews 6:4-6). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying whether a text speaks of human incapacity or objective impossibility, deepening our grasp of grace and God's power.

In the Greco-Roman world, concepts of ability and power (dynamis) were central to philosophy, politics, and religion. Describing someone or something as ἀδύνατος placed them outside the realm of effective power or potential, a significant label in a culture that valued strength, self-sufficiency, and capability. This makes the biblical reversal—where human impossibility becomes the platform for divine power—particularly counter-cultural.

ἀσθενής (asthenēs, G772) — focuses more on weakness, sickness, or frailty rather than outright impossibility. ἀσθενέω (astheneō, G770) — the verb form, meaning to be weak or sick. ἀδυνατέω (adynateō, G101) — the related verb meaning 'to be impossible' or 'to lack power.'

Word Details

Scripture References