δῠνᾰτ-έω G1414
to be able, to be powerful; expressing capacity, potency, or enablement for action
This verb form of δυνατός functions similarly to the more common δύναμαι but with slightly more emphasis on inherent power or capacity. It appears in Pauline contexts emphasizing divine enabling: God is able to make believers stand, to make grace abound, and to work powerfully through Christ. The word focuses on capability and potency rather than mere permission—it's about having the power to accomplish something, not just the authority to attempt it.
Senses
1. sense 1 — In Romans 14:4 Paul defends the standing of the one who eats: 'for the Lord is able to make him stand'—God has the power to sustain the believer. Second Corinthians 9:8 promises abundant provision: 'And God is able to make all grace abound to you.' In 2 Corinthians 13:3 Paul challenges those seeking proof: 'since you seek proof that Christ is speaking in me. He is not weak in dealing with you, but is powerful among you.' The Spanish (es-poderoso) and French (puissant) emphasize the power aspect. The theological point is divine enablement: what God purposes, God has the capacity to accomplish—in sustaining believers, multiplying grace, or demonstrating Christ's power. 3×
AR["يَقدِرُ", "يَقْدِرُ"]·ben["শক্তিশালী", "সক্ষম"]·DE["maechtig-sein"]·EN["is-able", "is-powerful"]·FR["puissant"]·heb["יָכוֹל", "עַצְמִי"]·HI["सामर्थी-है"]·ID["berkuasa", "mampu"]·IT["potente"]·jav["kiyat", "saged"]·KO["가능하시다", "강력하다", "능하시다"]·PT["poderoso", "é-poderoso"]·RU["есть", "силен", "силён"]·ES["es-poderoso"]·SW["ana-nguvu", "anaweza"]·TR["gücü-var", "güçlü", "kadirdir"]·urd["طاقتور-ہے", "قادر-ہے"]
Related Senses
H3808 1. simple negation (not) (4839×)G1722 1. locative: in, within (2442×)H1004b 1. house, dwelling, building (2015×)G3756 1. not (negation particle) (1635×)H4480a 1. source or separation (1198×)H5892b 1. city, town (1093×)G1519 1. direction: into, to, toward (1061×)H3427 1. Qal: to dwell, inhabit (937×)G1537 1. from, out of (source/origin) (886×)H8034 1. Name (designation / identifier) (856×)G3361 1. subjective negation (not) (834×)G1909 1. on, upon (spatial surface) (757×)H0369 1. existential negation: there is not (738×)H5869a 1. in the eyes/sight of (evaluative) (734×)H5650 1. Servant, attendant, subject (723×)H0408 1. prohibitive negation do-not (712×)G2443 1. so that, in order that (purpose/result) (665×)G0575 1. from (649×)G1223 1. through, by means of (582×)H3541 1. thus, so, in this manner (569×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
δῠνᾰτ-έω, ={δύναμαι}, δυνατήσει τὸ συμβαῖνον ἴσχειν Refs 1st c.BC+ __2 to be mighty, NT