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ἀδυνατέω

adynatéō

G101 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be unable (lacking ability or power); to be (or become) impossible or powerless to accomplish a task or outcome. More generally, denotes lacking capacity, possibility, or strength in a given context—whether in terms of personal ability, inherent possibility, or external feasibility.

Semantic Range

to be unable, to lack ability, to be powerless, to be impossible, to be unable to do something, to lack possibility

Root / Etymology

Passive derivation from ἀδύνατος (adýnatos), meaning 'unable, powerless, impossible,' itself derived from ἀ- (a-, negative prefix) + δυνατός (dynatós, 'able, powerful').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ἀδυνατέω is rarely attested and was more commonly expressed through the adjective ἀδύνατος or the verb in the middle/passive voice. In the Koine period (notably in the LXX and New Testament), the verb ἀδυνατέω is used with both personal and impersonal subjects, often in expressions of what is impossible (e.g., 'it is impossible,' 'he is unable'), or pointing to human limitation or inability. In the LXX, it often translates Hebrew forms signifying incapacity or impossibility, especially in divine versus human capacity contrasts. In the New Testament, most frequent with impersonal constructions ('it is impossible that...'), but can also refer to personal inability. Traditional English translations like 'it is impossible' (for impersonal uses) or 'cannot' (for personal) cover the central sense, but may not reflect the degree to which the verb shades from subjective inability to objective impossibility. Related to δυνατέω ('to have power, be able') and contrasts with δυνατός ('possible, able'). In many Koine sources, the adjective ἀδύνατος remains more common than the verb. Usage reflects broader linguistic pattern in which ἀ-privative forms denote lack or negation of power or ability.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀδύνατος; to be unable, i.e. (passively) impossible:--be impossible.

Root Family

ἀδυνατέω (adynateō) — to be unable, to lack power, to be impossible

Root ἀδυνατ- to be unable, to lack power, to be impossible

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G101-01 ἀδυνατήσει adunatesei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will be impossible he/she/it will be unable will be impossible 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G101-01 Matthew 17:20 ἀδυνατήσει adunatesei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will be impossible he/she/it will be unable will be impossible
G101-01 Luke 1:37 ἀδυνατήσει adunatesei V FUT ACT IND 3P SG will be impossible he/she/it will be unable will be impossible
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